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Samunique Blackmon of Callaway Named 2020 JPS JROTC Cadet of the Year
February 18, 2020
Samunique Blackmon |
JROTC cadet Samunique Blackmon is the 2020 JPS Cadet of the Year. Blackmon has been promoted to the rank of Cadet Colonel and will serve as the JPS JROTC Brigade Commander for 2020-2021. A junior at Callaway High School, Blackmon serves as the 4th Battalion Executive Officer. She has a GPA of 3.8 and a current ACT score of 20. A dedicated and goal-oriented leader, she works diligently for causes she is passionate about. When her mind is set on a specific outcome, she will strive for perfection and take the responsibility of working hard until she meets her goal. One of her goals is to graduate valedictorian of her class by raising her GPA to a 4.0.
She has been enthusiastically involved in JROTC for three consecutive years and is an active participant in the JROTC Adventure Training Unit. In the summer of 2019, she attended the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida. She also participated in the William Carey University Institute of Health Careers and the Jackson State University Interdisciplinary Center of Nanotoxicity STEM Leadership Academy Summer Institute. Blackmon is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Charger Funk Band, Finally First Mentorship Program, Chess Club, and JROTC Drill Team. Her community service activities include volunteering at Stewpot Community Services and the Community Animal Rescue and Adoptions Center on a bi-weekly basis.
After high school, Blackmon plans to attend Ohio State University and double majoring in Neuroscience and Japanese Language. Then, she will go on to medical school and specialize in neurosurgery. She aspires to save and improve the quality of people's lives, so she plans to start research centers to find a cure for brain cancer.
She credits her parents for their unconditional love and support and molding her into the person she is today.
Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene and Assistant Superintendent Ms. Laketia Thomas pin three silver diamonds on each shoulder lapel of Cadet of the Year Samunique Blackmon. The emblems signify her promotion to the rank of Cadet Colonel, the highest possible rank a JROTC cadet can attain. |
Jackson Public Schools announced the Cadet of the Year at the 16th Annual JPS JROTC Cadet of the Year Awards Dinner held February 13. Additionally, the District celebrated all of the finalists as the top cadets of their schools. The event was well-attended by JROTC cadets, parents, JROTC instructors, school officials, and members of the Cadet of the Year selection panel.
Forest Hill Christine Wooten |
Jim Hill Tyra Patterson |
Lanier Christopher Washington |
Murrah Jerica James |
Provine Heaven Thomas |
Wingfield Ramiyah Thompson |
The six remaining school-level Cadets of the Year for 2020 are:
- Christine Wooten of Forest Hill
- Tyra Patterson of Jim Hill
- Christopher Washington of Lanier
- Jerica James of Murrah
- Heaven Thomas of Provine
- Ramiyah Thompson of Wingfield
The Cadet of the Year competition is a rigorous process that begins at the school level. At the district-level, the competition becomes more involved and intense. Cadets were required to submit a comprehensive portfolio that included a résumé with references, examples of academic work, records of GPA and class standing, evidence of academically challenging coursework, an essay, proof of community service work, physical fitness, and more. In the next phase of the process, cadets appeared before a selection panel to deliver an oral presentation and respond to the panel's questions.
Serving on the 2020 Cadet of the Year selection panel were:
- Dr. Freddrick Murray, JPS Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools
- Mr. Ben Minnifield, Stand and Serve Organization
- Lt. Col. Barbara Ousby, Chief of Staff, Army ROTC, Jackson State University
- 1st Lt. Brendan Madarsz, Assistant Professor of Military Science, Alcorn State University
- Master Sgt. Kirk Thompson, Senior Military Instructor, Alcorn State University
- Lt. Col. David Martian, Commander, MS ARNG Recruiting & Retention Battalion
- Mr. Corey Young, JPS Partners in Education
- Mr. Edwin Butler, JROTC Bureau Director, Mississippi Department of Education
- Dr. Jennifer Trammell, Coordinator of K-8 Counseling Programs, Mississippi Department of Education
- Mrs. Constance Garnett-Houston, Senior Sales Representative, Canon – North America
"The Cadet of the Year program was implemented to recognize and reward the district's most outstanding scholars and to inspire others to strive for excellence in all their endeavors," said Col. (Ret.) Paul Willis, Director of JROTC Programs.