Goodrich High School student Natalie Steward wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. “I didn’t have any plans as to what I wanted to do in life,” she says. “I had a few friends enrolled in the JROTC program at Genesee Career Institute and after I heard what it was about, I decided to join. The program has given me a path and a plan to put effort into getting into college and a career in the Army.”
“Our mission is to prepare our students to be better citizens and leaders.”
1sg Steve La Haine
Established in 1916, the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is one of the largest leadership development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. At Genesee Career Institute (GCI), 90 students are enrolled in the JROTC program from high schools across the county and every one of them has worked hard to make the GCI JROTC program one of the best in the state. The program teaches leadership, life skills, discipline and responsibility through education, practice and competition. “Our mission is to prepare our students to be better citizens and leaders,” says 1sg Steve La Haine. “The program provides a chance for each student to experience being in a leadership role,” adds Steward. “It gives the individual trust in their own abilities.” It was that learned trust in self, internal motivation, and constant dedication that led Steward and the other JROTC cadets to victory in recent Drill, Raider and Rifle competitions.
Photos by Derek Cookson Photography
“Our Drill Team recently placed first in the state amongst 22 schools. Our Rifle Team placed first in the state and fourth in the brigade amongst 207 schools, and our Raider Team placed seventh in the national competition at Fort Knox,” says 1sg La Haine. “The Raider competition tests military skills, physical fitness, marching ability, cross-country rescue and more. All of our cadets practice skill training.” This month, the GCI JROTC will take part in the American Legion Rifle competition, where they have taken gold each of the last five years, and in February, they will travel to Ohio for competition.
“JROTC taught me discipline and how to be a better leader.
I now hold myself to a higher standard.”
Natalie Steward
Steward played a large role in each of the recent victories. “I was Color Guard commander in the Drill competition,” she says. “The secret was lots and lots of practice. There were four members in my group. We take it very seriously.” In the competition, Steward’s Color Guard team took 2nd. The Platoon Drill Team, led by Cadet Yekaterina Babenko, took 1st; the First-Year Cadet Team led by Addison Turkington also claimed victory. The Inspection Team also led by Babenko took 3rd. The team also placed three cadets in the top five of the individual competition: Steward (5th), Ruth Davis (3rd) and Justin Brown (2nd).
The JROTC program at Genesee Career Institute maintains a reputation for excellence in competition and education.
It was during the Rifle competition, however, when Steward made her biggest impact. This year’s team posted a record-breaking score while cruising to first place in the state competition with Steward taking home the title of Top Marksman. “To put it into perspective,” says 1sg La Haine. “The team is shooting at a target the size of a pencil tip at ten meters. The total target size is two inches. Cadet Steward consistently hit the target six out of ten shots.” Steward explains, “There are three shooting positions – prone, standing and kneeling. Each position allows a certain number of minutes for prep time before you fire. When you are ready, you take your shot.” Out of competitors from 207 schools in the Brigade Rifle competition, Steward finished 7th and the team placed 4th.
The GCI JROTC program maintains a reputation for excellence in competition and education. All cadets are committed to mastering the skills they have learned as they take aim at a higher calling in life, some pursuing military careers. “There is no military commitment,” says 1sg La Haine. “Many kids are successful in college and go on to do other things.” In addition to learning leadership, critical thinking, discipline and life skills, JROTC cadets are instructed in geography, physical fitness and wellness, history and government, communications and emotional intelligence. The program is open to any area high school student. “If you are interested, please talk to your high school counselor,” adds 1sg La Haine. “We will take you.”
The 2023 Rifle Team team posted a record-breaking score, with Natalie Steward taking home the title of Top Marksman.
For Natalie Steward, the JROTC program has helped her to see herself in a future of success. She now has a plan after graduation and the confidence to set it in motion. “I highly recommend joining the program,” she states. “It taught me discipline and how to be a better leader. I now hold myself to a higher standard.”
