ROCKINGHAM – On Wednesday, May 30, the AMVETS Post 316 of Rockingham, represented by Post Commander Reverend Sam Standridge and J.C. Lamm, awarded scholarships valued at $500 each to Richmond Senior High School students Jasmine Ratliff and Jasmine Baldwin, members of the Junior ROTC.
There are approximately 150 students in the JROTC program this year. Instructors Lieutenant Colonel Jon Ring, Sergeant First Class Victoria James, and First Sergeant Aaron Light were on hand for the presentation. Between the three of them, they have a total of 73 years of service.
Jasmine Ratliff of Hamlet plans to attend Fayetteville State University and will use the scholarship to help with college expenses. She has been a part of the JROTC throughout her 4 years at Richmond Senior, and stated that she learned a lot from the training. Serving as a member of the Color Guard was one of the activities she enjoyed the most. Her mother Shelia Roberts and grandfather Bonnie Terry were also in attendance.
Jasmine Baldwin of Hoffman was the recipient of the other scholarship. She has been active in the JROTC for six of her eight semesters, and has also participated in a number of competitions, Color Guard, and the Sabre Team. Miss Baldwin plans to attend St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh and enlist in the U.S. Air Force following graduation from college.
Sergeant First Class James has been a member of the RSHS faculty for 9 years. Lt. Colonel Ring and First Sergeant Light have each been at Richmond Senior for four years. They spoke about the mission of the JROTC: “To motivate young people to become better citizens.” The Cadet Creed is posted on a bulletin board near the classrooms where instruction takes place. It contains wise advice for our review and reads as follows:
“I am an Army Junior ROTC Cadet.
I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school, and the Corps of Cadets.
I am loyal and patriotic. I am the future of the United States.
I do not lie, cheat, or steal and will always be accountable for my deeds and actions.
I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.
I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.
I will seek the mantel of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life.
May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed.”
The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools, and some middle schools, across the United States, as well as U.S. military bases across the world. It was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916. Expansion of the program occurred under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act.
This is the first time the AMVETS Post 316 has awarded these scholarships. Post Commander Standridge assured the students that this will be an annual event, and to let their fellow students know that this scholarship is something they could look forward to in the future.
Submitted by Pam Simmons, Hamlet, NC
Richmond Observer
May 31, 2018
