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The 2019 JPS Cadet of the Year
March 20, 2019
Brandie Wigley |
JROTC Cadet Brandie Wigley is the 2019 JPS Cadet of the Year. Wigley has been promoted to the rank of Cadet Colonel and will serve as the JPS JROTC Brigade Commander for 2019-2020.
A junior at Provine, Wigley stands out as a leader, scholar, athlete and volunteer. She is an LET 3 (Leadership Education Training level 3) cadet with a 3.80 GPA. She was the Top LET 1 in her freshman year and was named Provine's Superior Cadet during her sophomore year. She is also part of the JROTC STEM and Academic teams. She is an involved member of the National Honor Society and the National Honor Society for High School Scholars. She also participates on the cheer squad and the track and field team.
In addition to striving for academic excellence and providing leadership, she is a faithful community servant. She mentors students in first and second grades at John Hopkins Elementary through her school's Teen Trendsetters Program. She also volunteers with Stewpot Community Services in meeting the needs of the people the organization serves. She regularly joins her church, New Jerusalem, in feeding the hungry and holding clothing drives.
After graduation, Wigley plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and pursue a commission in the United States Air Force.
Wigley is the daughter of proud parents, Patrick and Beulah Wigley.
Jamela Windom, Callaway | Darlisia Williams, Forest Hill | Essence Byrd, Jim Hill |
Kaiyanna King, Lanier | Katelyn Russell, Murrah | Kendra Sutton, Wingfield |
The 15th Annual JPS JROTC Cadet of the Year Awards Dinner was held in February to announce the Cadet of the Year and to celebrate all seven of the top cadets representing each JPS high school. The six remaining school-level Cadets of the Year for 2019 are:
- C/MSG Jamela Windom of Callaway
- C/MAJ Darlisia Williams of Forest Hill
- C/CPT Essence Byrd of Jim Hill
- C/LTC Kaiyanna J. King of Lanier
- C/MAJ Katelyn M. Russell of Murrah
- C/1LTC Kendra Sutton of Wingfield
These cadets were promoted to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and will serve with Wigley on the District Brigade Staff for next school year.
At the district-level, the Cadet of the Year competition becomes more involved and intense. Cadets were required to submit a comprehensive portfolio that included a resume with references, examples of academic work, GPA, class standing, evidence of academically challenging coursework, an essay, proof of community service work, physical fitness, and more.
Additionally, each cadet delivered a five-minute oral presentation before a selection panel on the topic, "How JROTC Has Influenced My Preparation for Successful Living After High School." Afterward, they responded to questions from each member of the selection panel. Serving on the 2019 Cadet of the Year selection panel were:
- Dr. Morris Stanton, Assistant Superintendent, Jackson Public Schools
- Lt. Col. Dexter Brookins, Professor of Military Science, Jackson State University
- Mr. Edwin Butler, JROTC Bureau Director, Mississippi Department of Education
- Mr. Stanley Griffin, U.S. Army 6th Brigade, JROTC Representative for Mississippi
- Dr. Jennifer Trammell, Coordinator of K-8 Counseling Programs, Mississippi Department of Education
- Ms. Juanita Ward, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Hartfield Academy, Flowood, Mississippi
- Ms. Christine Bye, a strong supporter of JPS JROTC
"The Cadet of the Year program was implemented to recognize and reward the District’s most outstanding students and to inspire others to strive for excellence in all their endeavors," said Col. (Ret.) Paul Willis, Director of JROTC Programs.
More Coverage:
- 2019 JPS JROTC Cadet of the Year Competition, JPS ITV, February 25, 2019
- Brandie Wigley, Jackson Free Press, April 17, 2019