BY MILES LAYTON

EDENTON — A toast to John A. Holmes High School’s award winning JROTC was held Friday at the American Legion Hall. 

I’ll say it – when I have JROTC students in any class, they do their school work, respect others, and know when to “simmer down”. 

Because of those qualities, these top-notch student athletes and leaders in and out of the classroom deserve a story that shares these Aces’ virtues with the community. Every one of these cadets was presented awards by JROTC Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Parks and Sergeant First Class Michael Jackson, both retired US Army.    

A slide of photos from the event appears at the end of this story.  

 

Cadet senior speakers were Major Jordyn Ward, Command Sergeant Major Diamonique Dillard, Lieutenant Commander Briley Koller and Lieutenant Amaya Cortezano. 

“What started as a way to spend time with my brother quickly became one of the most defining parts of my high school journey,” Ward said. “Through JROTC, I’ve learned discipline, courage, and what it truly means to be a leader. I am proud to stand here as cadet major in the ACES battalion and previously serving as a battalion XO. I am also the first cadet in our program’s history to attend JCLC not once, but twice.”

Ward continued, “But titles and accomplishments only tell part of the story. The real reward has been the growth, the friendships, and the lessons I’ll carry forever.”

Ward praised her instructors – Parks and Jackson.

“To my instructors, both have been like second fathers to me, always guiding me and pushing me to be the leader I am. You’ve reminded me of the strength that I didn’t even know I had,” Ward said, her voice straining with emotion. “Your support has meant the world to me. I carry everything you’ve taught me, whether it’s in school or out of school. Thank you for being such a big part of my journey. You’ve also been one of my biggest supporters both in school and even on the softball field. I wouldn’t be the cadet I am without you both.”

Ward said JROTC challenged her to become more, to expect more from herself.  

“Though I’m graduating, JROTC will always be part of who I am. I’m forever grateful that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone because if I didn’t, I would never have given JROTC a chance, and I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

Koller’s speech talked about Barbie, yes, that Barbie, the one who taught generations of young women that they can be whatever they want to be. Koller applied Barbie’s status as a role model to what she achieved and learned as a JROTC cadet.  

“But just as Barbie has evolved into a symbol of limitless possibilities, ROTC has become a space where I, as a young woman, am encouraged to embrace leadership, challenge my boundaries, and stand tall as a leader just like her,” she said. “In ROTC, we are taught that leadership is not about commanding others from a place of authority. It’s about inspiring those around you, making tough decisions, and rising above adversity.”

Koller continued, “Just like Barbie, who always faced challenges with resilience, we learned in JROTC to face obstacles head-on, to never back down, and to lead with integrity. As young students preparing to enter the real world, we need to understand that leadership isn’t just a role for the tough guys or the ones who fit the mold.” 

JROTC instills essential leadership skills.   
 
“Leadership is for all of us, whether we’re serving in the military, running a company, or advocating for change in our communities,” Koller said. “We carry the lessons of strength, independence, and perseverance. Like Barbie, we have the power to define our to define our futures and to make a difference. So as we stand here today, let’s remember the lessons we learned from a simple toy and how they are shaping us into the leaders of tomorrow. Barbie showed us that we could be anything, and ROTC has helped us turn that anything into a reality.”  

When Dillard joined JROTC as a freshman, everything changed – a whole new world opened up for her.  

“Honestly, I only joined because most of my friends were either joining or they were already part of the program,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect for the first time when I filled up some information. And I walked quietly into the Sergeant’s classroom. And if you know me, I am not quiet. But this was a new experience for me. And at the time, I was also facing a lot of personal challenges that made stepping into something unfamiliar even harder.”

Dillard continued, “Over the years, I’ve been pushed, challenged, and sometimes doubted myself. But through every drill, every inspection, and even a long day of preparation, and every early morning event, I was learning what it meant to lead, to serve, and to grow.”  

Leadership is about more than wearing a uniform — there’s no denying that Dillar is a leader and Aces’ role model.

“Being a leader in GRTC has taught me far more than how to wear a uniform or march in formation,” Dillar said. “It taught me accountability, resilience, and how to put others before myself. I’ve learned that leaders leadership isn’t about barking orders. It’s about setting the standard, listening first, and leading by example.”

Dillard said though she’ll be leaving soon with plans to attend Elizabeth City State University, she will not forget the lessons learned as a JROTC cadet.

“I’ll be leaving JROTC soon, but I’m not leaving behind what it taught me. I’ll carry these lessons forward for wherever life’s takes me, whether that’s college, the military, or another path entirely. And today, cadets, I really hope you guys do well in this program.
And finally, the JROTC motto, ‘To move young people to be better citizens.’ It really doesn’t hit you until you become a senior and have the chance to live it, represent it, and pass it on.”

JROTC became a family for Cortezano, where she found camaraderie, a sense of belonging and purpose. 

“The bonds I formed with my fellow cadets are unbreakable, but they were also a reminder of the fleeting nature of time,” she said. “We supported each other through challenges, celebrated each other’s successes.”

Cortezano learned discipline and leadership skills during her time rising through the JROTC ranks of command. JROTC taught me a true meaning and discipline in leadership, but it also showed me the harsh realities of life.

“Through countless drills, Raider practices, and countless rigorous training exercises, I learned to push past my limits and strive for excellence,” she said. “Yet, it was during these moments of exhaustion and struggle that I realized how fragile we all are. The values of integrity, respect, and responsibility were not just words were recited. They became lifelabs that kept me grounded when my bit hard.”

As Cortezano looked across the crowded Legion hall that was filled with cadets, her voice straining, “We grew together as a unit. But now, we stand on the brink of graduation and the reality of parting ways is a painful reminder that nothing lasts forever. The sense of camaraderie and belonging that I found in JROTC is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, but it also leaves me ache in my heart knowing that these moments are not just memories. As I reflect on these past four years, I realize JROTC has not only prepared me for the future endeavors, but it has also given me the strength to face life’s inevitable heartbreaks.”

Here’s the kicker in a nutshell – what JROTC does for young people.  
 
“It has been a journey of growth, self discovery, and transformation, but it is also one of loss and letting go,” Cortezano said. “I’m deeply grateful to you for the experiences, the lessons, and the friendships that JRRC has brought to my life, but I cannot help but feel sad that this chapter has to come to an end.”

Like the other cadet leaders, Cortezano then thanked Parks and Jackson, her fellow cadets.

“Thank you for giving me the purpose that it took so long to find. Thanks, Colonel and Sergeant, for always believing in me. To my cadets, thank you for calling me your battalion commander.”

Speaking of Jackson, he is retiring – this is his last class as a JROTC instructor. Yep – 20 years in the classroom, 20 years in the Army.  

Sidenote – Let me tell you about the type of teacher Jackson is. A few years back, my daughter Samantha took time off from school at JAHHS to travel on a multi-day trip with me. Samantha was an Aces’ JROTC cadet – her photo is among the many class composite photos hanging on the wall at the Armory, JROTC Class of 2020. Samantha’s experiences, albeit during the COVID era, shaped her high school experience and later her choice of college — Virginia Military Institute.   

During Samantha’s first morning away from school, Jackson called while we were having lunch on the outskirts of Richmond, Va. Because we were on speakerphone, I could hear the conversation between Jackson and Samantha. Unaware that Samantha was taking a trip to tour the VMI, Jackson may have thought Samantha was ditching school, so he called to make sure she was alright and to emphasize the importance of staying in school. That’s the kind of teacher and person Jackson is – much respect, salute.

Parks praised Jackson as being “an institution” for JROTC – 20 years – a leader who has made a big impact on a lot of lives.  

“He’s an institution. He is now teaching cadets that he taught their parents. When he came in, he practically lived in uniform. JROTC has been his life for a long time.”

Parks continued, “Now, when he’s decided to make that transition, I’m happy for you, but you will be missed. You really will. … He’s taught a lot of youth, alright, and had an impact on a lot of lives. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to the cadets in the program.”