Cape High JROTC cadets attend youth leadership conference

Cadets Cody Ross, Michael Littlefield and Felipe Hernandez, junior cadets in the Cape Henlopen High School Junior ROTC Program, participated in the April 18-21 Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Youth Conference at Valley Forge, Pa.

The conference consisted of approximately 80 selected high school students from across the nation. Each year, three to four outstanding junior Cape Henlopen JROTC cadets are selected to attend with all expenses paid for by Maj. Gen. Joseph Lank, past Delaware National Guard adjutant general; the Military Order of World Wars and the JROTC program.

The conference curriculum and activities focus on youth development to assist young people to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to lead civic engagement and become more aware of the Constitution, patriotism, good citizenship and what it takes to be a leader at any level of society.

Attending this years’ conference was a milestone in each of the cadet’s lives. All the cadets who attended thought their attendance was one of the highlights of their high school careers.

Cody Ross said, “I gained an appreciation of the founding and structure of our national government.”

“I gained a better understanding of our Constitution and Bill of Rights,” said Michael Littlefied.

“[It was a] Great opportunity to compare my leadership skills with other students," said Felipe Hernandez.