Press release from Buncombe County Schools:
Congratulations to Enka High School’s U.S. Air Force JROTC, which recently received an Outstanding Unit Evaluation, the highest rating attainable!
An inspection team visited Enka High on Dec. 13 and performed a comprehensive audit of the unit, covering everything from uniform care and inventory integrity to financial records to communication during drills to how well the unit demonstrated the “Service Before Self” creed. The cadets handle all these organizational details, with instructors serving as advisors.
“I’m proud of these cadets because of their character, confidence, and leadership,” said retired USAF Maj. Kevin J. Den Boer, who serves as an instructor along with retired Master Sgt. Douglas M. Draper. “We help younger students process how to make a good decision. We build that confidence over time, and then we place them in leadership positions where they can serve as mentors to younger students.”
Sophomore Kyler Roberts commanded a drill sequence as part of the December inspection, a high-pressure situation where timing is crucial. The 12-person drill unit had to move in crisp formation around the gym. Roberts’ unit exceeded expectations upon inspection.
“I felt honored to do it,” he said. “But it’s bigger than me. We all work as one to make it function as necessary.”
Senior Linda Diaz handles government accountability, which includes bookkeeping, data entry, running the website, and more. For her tireless work, she was named Most Outstanding Cadet during the December inspection.
“It’s like a job,” she said. “But it’s also like a tight-knit family. We’re all working together to make sure our unit succeeds. JROTC makes me feel like a leader, and it helps me focus on what is in front of me.”
Six BCS high schools feature a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) unit. The classes promote leadership, character, citizenship, and service.
“This isn’t like a class I’ve ever had, with schoolwork and a grade,” said senior Kyle Nohren. “Here, the focus is on your individual growth as a person and as a citizen. I love this program. It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me.”
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