The Upson-Lee High School NJROTC Unit proudly celebrated the successful completion of its 2026 Summer Orientation Camp, culminating with a graduation ceremony held at the Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center.
The week-long orientation introduced new cadets to the core values of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, emphasizing leadership, discipline, teamwork, military customs and courtesies, physical fitness, and citizenship.
The camp was led by Senior Naval Science Instructor Chief Petty Officer Anthony Kendall and Naval Science Instructor Petty Officer First Class Marvin Bert. Assisting with the training were nine senior NJROTC cadets, who served as cadet cadre and provided leadership, instruction, and mentorship throughout the program.
Ten cadets successfully completed the orientation camp and, in recognition of their achievement, were promoted to the rank of Seaman Apprentice and awarded the Basic Leadership Ribbon.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the cadets' accomplishments and marked the beginning of their journey as members of the Upson-Lee NJROTC program. Thomaston-Upson School's staff, family members, friends, and supporters gathered to recognize the cadets' hard work and commitment to developing the leadership skills and character that define the NJROTC program.
Chief Petty Officer Kendall commended the cadets for their dedication and thanked the senior cadet cadre, parents, school administration, and the community for their continued support of the Upson-Lee NJROTC program. He noted that the success of the Summer Orientation Camp reflects the unit's commitment to developing confident, responsible, and service-minded student leaders.
The Upson-Lee NJROTC program looks forward to another successful school year as these newly trained cadets continue to grow in leadership, academic excellence, and service to their school and community.