Debbie Lurie-Smith debbie@jcnews.com
Members of Jones County Chapter 142 of the American Legion members got a glimpse of a bright future with a visit by a freshman in the Jones County High School JROTC program.
Legion member Ted Stone introduced the speaker at their Nov. 7 meeting, Cadet Corporal Jayda Round, who is in her first year in the JCHS program.
It was not her first experience with the program, however, Jayda got a taste of the program in an introductory program while in middle school.
In her speech to the veterans, the cadet said she loves JROTC and looks forward to it every day.
“It’s one of the reasons I love to go to school,” she said.
Jayda said she was never a leader or able to take charge until JROTC. She said she always loved talking to people but not in a large group. The cadet said she is only in her first year, but the program has already taught her a lot.
“It’s pushed me to be the best I can be,” she said.
Jayda said it motivates her to keep her grades up, and it has helped with her communication skills. She said that includes being able to take action in the things she is doing.
“It’s opened my eyes to those serving and veterans,” the cadet said.
Jayda pointed out the additional after-school activities the JROTC program offers at JCHS. That includes the Raiders program, Jlab, the rifle team, STEM, JCLC, drill competitions and the color guard.
The cadet said she is currently participating in the Raiders and color guard. She said the Raiders program has taught her how to work with people as a team to accomplish things.
“Even though we are under pressure and are all exhausted, we still must work as a team,” she said.
Jayda talked about events that are difficult, like crosscountry rescue, the Raider fitness team and team run that can be two to three miles, but she said they are still fun.
The cadet talked about the new Raider course at JCHS that is located below the football field. She said they got to host their first competition this year. She said both Jones County guys and girls teams were asked to compete at state.
“The girls placed in everything and got second overall,” she said. “That’s a great feeling because you woke up early in the morning, worked all day and then you finish second overall.”
Jayda said she loves getting to work with other cadets and loves being to carry the colors.
The cadet said she never thought she would be able to do the things she has done since joining the program. She also thanked JROTC Army Instructor Stg. Michael Kingston, who she said always believes in her.
“When I say I can’t, he proves I can,” Jayda said.
She gave the example of not being able to run a mile when she started the fitness program.
“I really had a tough time controlling my breathing. He came up behind me and ran with me the rest of the mile. The sergeant would not let me stop and helped me control my breathing,” the cadet recalled. “Now I can run three miles without stopping.”
Jayda said she could not be where she is without him.
“He is someone I look up to, honor and respect,” she added.
Jayda concluded her remarks by thanking legion members for letting her speak. She said it was an honor to be there, thanked them for their service and wished each one a happy Veterans Day.
Stone beamed with pride as he thanked the cadet for speaking. Jayda is his great grand-daughter.
Kingston said he was honored to be there and spoke briefly about Jayda’s dedication and accomplishments. He noted that cadets begin as Private First Class, and she has already achieved the rank of corporal.
“She is in it and completely engaged. It’s cadets like her that make this worthwhile,” he said.
Jayda Round speaks to American Legion members about her experiences in Jones County High School’s JROTC program at their Nov. 7 meeting.
CONTRIBUTED
Cadet Corp. Jayda Round and JCHS JROTC Army Instructor Sgt. Michael Kingston.
CONTRIBUTED
