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SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

While most high school students are easing into a laid-back summer, a group of determined Bogalusa High School JROTC cadets traded beach towels for boots and leadership challenges. These cadets were selected to attend the 2025 JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, held June 1–6—an intense and rewarding summer camp reserved for those who’ve proven they’re ready to lead in the Lumberjack Battalion.

The cadets representing Bogalusa High School this year were: Ariyanna Brown, Karisma Carter, Timothy Boudreaux, Se’Miyah Warren, Grace Jones, Broderic Baker, Jeremiah Laster, Jordan McMurry, Mon’Cheree Johnson, and Torian Weary. Their selection was based on performance, commitment, and potential to serve as future leaders in the battalion.

Upon arriving at Camp Shelby, each cadet was assigned to one of four companies—Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, or Delta—under the supervision of a team of instructors and chaperones. This year’s camp boasted 423 cadets from 57 schools (48 from Mississippi and 9 from Louisiana), along with 90 JROTC instructors, 16 chaperones, and 6 medical staff members.

Throughout the week, cadets were immersed in rigorous leadership development. Mornings kicked off with 6 a.m. physical training, followed by a variety of skill-building activities: drill and ceremony, a canoe race, stretcher transport of a simulated casualty, rappelling off a 40-foot tower, negotiating an obstacle course, and orienteering.

But it wasn’t all pushups and planks—cadets also enjoyed spirited evening competitions like Mini Olympics, fitness challenges, drill contests, and an unpredictable favorite known as Potpourri. They even got a chance to visit the on-base Post Exchange (PX) for some downtime and snacks.

Several Bogalusa cadets stood out among the hundreds. Broderic Baker earned the Commander’s Pin and was named Best Company Commander. Jordan McMurry and Grace Jones also earned Commander’s Pins for outstanding performance. And for the fifth consecutive year, Delta Company, led by Bogalusa’s own lSG Jack Rogers, took home the coveted Honor Company black shirts and the bragging rights that come with being the top unit. Cadets Jeremiah Laster, Jordan McMurry, and Grace Jones proudly wore the black shirt this year.

It may be “just another summer” for some, but for these ten cadets, it’s been a season of sweat, growth, and pride in what it means to lead. The Lumberjack Battalion has every reason to be proud.