Pelahatchie High School Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) announced that Cadet Major Jessica Smith for winning second place in the recent 2017 Jim Morrow Memorial Essay Contest sponsored by the American Legion. The essay contest is named for long-time legislator Jim Morrow of Rankin County and is established by the American Legion to exemplify his devotion to country and his state.
This year’s theme was “If You Could Change Your Community in a Positive Way, What Specific Changes Would You Make and Why?” The essay was open to all Rankin County high school students in grades 9-12 across the District. Smith, a PHS junior, has completed two years of JROTC at PHS, and currently serves as a cadet major with the program. As second place winner, she had the honor of reading her essay at the Rankin County Memorial Day service conducted on May 29.
PHS’ JROTC is a program offered to high school students that teach cadets character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. Collectively, these lessons motivate cadets to be better citizens which is the main focus and mission of JROTC. In addition to promoting citizenship, JROTC also prepares cadets for college while providing service opportunities involving school and community.