Laredo Independent School District recognized three outstanding JROTC students during the JROTC Honorable Cadet Ceremony at the J.W. Nixon High School Raymond Goodman Library.
Valerie Medina of Martin High School, Carlos Lopez of Cigarroa High School, and Brianna Morales of Nixon High School were named LISD’s Honorable Cadets for their qualities and leadership skills as cadets who demonstrate outstanding capabilities in their community through service, self-discipline, responsibility, respect, and character. The recognition was conducted by LISD’s ROTC Program and the LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Department.
LISD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Roger Garcia, and Nixon High School Principal Cassandra Mendoza congratulated and addressed the cadets on the importance of leadership, citizenship, and teamwork. Alberto Hernandez, Laredo College Director of Veteran Services, who was the guest speaker, provided words of wisdom to the cadets on the importance of leadership skills, excellence, and character building.
Medina is a senior at Martin High School Inspired by her brother, a former Raider Commander, Valerie joined JROTC to develop her leadership skills while pursuing her passion for competition and teamwork. JROTC has taught her discipline, responsibility, and resilience while providing a supportive environment she considers a second home. One of Valerie’s most memorable experiences was leading the Raider Team at La Copa Ranch Competition in Falfurrias, Texas, where her team placed second out of 50 schools. She cherishes the sense of accomplishment shared with her teammates during that challenging event. Currently, Valerie serves as the Battalion Commander of the JROTC Tiger Battalion. She is also the Commander of the Tiger Color Guard team, Co-Captain of the Raider Team, and a member of the Lady Tiger Track and Field team. Outside of JROTC, Medina is an active member of the National Honor Society and was recently selected as Border Patrol Youth of the Month. After graduation, Valerie plans to attend Enterprise State Community College in Alabama to pursue a career in law, eventually earning her master’s degree to work as an Immigration and Family Lawyer.
Lopez is a senior at Cigarroa High School. Inspired to join JROTC by the program’s values and opportunities, Carlos credits it with teaching him the importance of time management, teamwork, and leadership. One of his most memorable JROTC experiences was leading the unarmed drill team to victory, even in the face of last-minute changes which is a testament to his adaptability and leadership skills. Beyond JROTC, Carlos is also an active member of Upward Bound, a Laredo College program designed to prepare students for college success. Within the JROTC program, he serves in multiple leadership roles, including commander of the Cigarroa JROTC Honor Guard, commander of the Drill & Ceremony team, a member of the Color Guard, and commander of Alpha Company in the Toro Battalion. After graduating from high school, Carlos plans to join the ROTC program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) and pursue a career as an Infantry or Artillery officer. He looks forward to the day when Sergeant Conrado Martinez and Sergeant Gilberto Gonzalez salute him.
Brianna Morales is a senior at Nixon High School. She joined JROTC to develop her leadership and discipline skills while preparing for a future career in the military. Through JROTC, Briana has grown as a person, gaining a deeper understanding of her strengths and weaknesses and honing her communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds. One of Briana’s most memorable moments in JROTC was winning her first award, the Dandelion Award, during her freshman year. She has also earned the prestigious Recruitment Coin, awarded to only one cadet, and the Cadet of the Year honor. Beyond JROTC, Briana is an active member of several school organizations, including the Spanish Honor Society, Interact Club, Library Club, and Student Council. Within JROTC, she serves as the Battalion Commander and the Raider Commander, showcasing her leadership and dedication to excellence. After graduating from high school, Briana plans to attend Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) and participate in the JROTC program for two years. She aims to major in Criminal Justice and later pursue a career in the Army.
Morales was overwhelmed when she was selected for a second consecutive year. “I’m really excited to be recognized as the Honorable Cadet this year again. I worked extremely hard to be recognized and my goal is to be selected cadet of the year.”
Morales who has been in JROTC for four years credits her time in the program with shaping her into the person she has become. “My time in JROTC has helped improve my skill set. I am able to speak with confidence, take on the responsibility of being a leader, and make decision under pressure. I want to thank Lt. Col. Benny Feagin for helping me throughout the program, along with my parents, friends, and cadets who appreciate and have supported me as the battalion commadore.”
“LISD created this initiative to recognize JROTC Cadets who are leaders not only in their squad/campus, but in their community as well,” said Rogelio Garcia, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “They are an evident example of the JROTC mission: “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.”
The Nixon High School JROTC presented the colors, and NHS JROTC student Brianna Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch which was prepared by Nixon High School Culinary Arts students, under the direction of Grizelda Sauceda Madrigal. Nixon High School CCMR Dean J.J. Solis was the master of ceremony and Lt. Col. Feagin provided the closing remarks.
Cadets from LISD’s three JROTC Programs are recognized every nine weeks. To be considered an Honorable Cadet, the student must submit a completed application with their information, resume, two letters of recommendation (non-JROTC Instructor) one recommendation letter from JROTC Instructor, essay, and cadet challenge score.
Cadets can get applications from the JROTC Instructors and counselors and must submit completed applications to their counselors.
For more information, please contact LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Coordinator, Mayra Garcia at 956-273-1863.