Twelve cadets from Effingham County High School Air Force JROTC recently completed Summer Leadership School as basic trainees held at Mercer University in Macon.

Almost 200 students from 15 different high schools in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina attended this annual training, designed to provide the next level of leadership training above and beyond initial leadership training at the high school level. The school is challenging and demanding, with an agenda that includes academics, physical fitness training, drill practice, room and personal inspections, individual evaluations in all areas, a picnic, and graduation ceremony.

Attendees this year were: John Brazell, Josh Chambers, Patrick DeWitt, Bob Greenbaum, Shane Harmon, Reagan Lowry, Jeremy Pare, Noah Parker, Conor Quill, Brian York, Andrew Zeldenrust and Caleb Ziel.

Also attending as cadre, previous graduates who serve as cadet officers to oversee the basics, were Josie Woodward and Tyler Martins. Several basics received special recognition for their accomplishments:  John Brazell in outstanding flight, Patrick DeWitt for most improved in flight, Brian York for most improved in flight, Caleb Ziel for best drill in flight, and Conor Quill for best uniform inspection in flight.

All graduates are now eligible to attend next year as cadre members (cadet officers) to help the instructors operate the school.