The JROTC program at Cypress Lake High School has reached new heights…literally! Training has been taken to a whole new level with the addition of its new rappel tower, which was built last year and now stands tall on the campus, giving the cadets many new opportunities.
The JROTC S4 logistics officer, Audrey Rickard, shared her excitement about the new addition. “My favorite thing about JROTC is the variety of different teams we have, and the tower adds to that variety. The rappel tower will get the cadets out of their shell and hopefully be more excited for the JROTC experience. It will definitely give the cadets new adventures!” For new cadets, it’s a thrilling first step into a program full of opportunities to grow, lead, and conquer new heights.
For Audrey, the tower’s impact goes far beyond the ropes and wood. “Using the tower for the first time to zipline was an incredible experience that I wish people outside of JROTC were offered. It’s something that builds confidence and makes you proud of what you can accomplish.” Audrey believes it will make more students excited about joining JROTC and discovering opportunities they might not have considered. Her advice for new cadets is simple but powerful: “Reach out and try new things.”
Sergeant Lindsay, an instructor overseeing the JROTC program, shared their perspective: “The new tower is a device that helps our cadets face their fears and help them overcome barriers in their life.”
But the tower is just one of many exciting things happening in the program. Opportunities are always around the corner for JROTC. “I wish students knew about all our different teams we offer in the program – from Raiders, to Drill, to Color Guard. There’s something for everyone,” Rickard states.
Cadets are also preparing for the Jardas Raider Meet on Oct. 4 as well as starting up their marksmanship and robotics teams for the year. These events give students a chance to represent Cypress Lake in the community and showcase the discipline and teamwork they practice every day. With the rappel tower, upcoming competitions, and a variety of teams, Cypress Lake JROTC continues to grow and thrive to inspire cadets to step out of their comfort zones and rise to new heights – make sure to look out for them!