Van Horn Cadet Advances to National Essay Contest Finals

Competing against JROTC cadets from a 10 state region, Van Horn senior Nicholas Hickman won the Brigade essay contest, open to all student-cadets in the Army JROTC program. Hickman’s essay now advances for national consideration against 12 other cadet essays from across the United States. This year’s topic, 100 Years of JROTC: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, celebrated the creation of the JROTC program.

“JROTC was established as a part of the Morrell Act of 1916 when the United States was preparing for possible entry into World War I,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Mike Byrd, Van Horn’s senior JROTC instructor. “Originally intended as a means to prepare for conflict, JROTC instruction is now focused on developing citizenship, education skills, team building, leadership development, service learning and community engagement.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Brett Waterhouse presented Hickman with a Brigade challenge coin and a congratulatory note from the Brigade Commander.  Waterhouse challenged all Van Horn cadets to set high expectations, work hard to achieve or exceed those expectations and to fulfill their life ambition.  Following graduation in May, Hickman plans to attend college and pursue a career in law enforcement.