November Cadets of the Month

Cadet Captain Kaydence Johnson. Cadet Johnson has been in the Sumner JROTC program from its start. Cadet Johnson has seen the program grow, struggle, almost collapse and finally reorganized as a cost share fully funded program. Through the years of turmoil and change, Cadet Johnson remained steadfast in the program with the wish that one day things would get better. She has had many company and battalion leadership positions and is currently the Assistant S-4 in the supply and logistics section. Cadet Johnson has been an unbelievably valuable resource when it comes to getting organizational clothing and equipment distributed. Cadet Johnson organized the supply areas for both garrison and field uniforms. Cadet Johnson eagerly surrendered her time (coming before school, during her lunch breaks and after school) to make sure that cadets had the right and proper fitting uniform. Initiative is an internal motivation that few put into action. Cadet Johnson is a self-starter and works well with leadership, teams, and organizations. Cadets like Cadet Captain Kaydence Johnson are the backbone of the JROTC program for they care about the long-term survival and health of the organization. In light of these achievements and her continued dedication to the Sumner High School JROTC program, Cadet Captain Kaydence Johnson is awarded the Senior Army Instructor Leadership Award (N-3-1) and selected as Cadet of the Month.

Cadet Captain Iliana Pérez (N-3-1). Cadet Perez is an extraordinarily strong member of the Sumner JROTC and has served in many roles over the years. Cadet Perez is what is known as a Utility Officer. She can blend into and run any staff section, from personnel, to finance to operations. She is knowledgeable and flexible on all occasions. She has been instrumental with fund raising efforts, color guard requests, honor guard presentations and the Junior Cadet Sponsorship Program whereby the Leadership Education and Training (LET-1 and LET-2) cadets are sponsored by LET 3 and LET 4 cadets. These sponsors teach, coach and mentor the younger cadets, making sure that they are wearing the uniform correctly as well as uniform care. Cadet Perez sits on the SAI advisory board, providing feedback, initiatives, and activities for the program. She is the conduit for information flow between the corps of cadets and the Army Instructors. Cadet Perez has boundless energy and is always eager to help where she can. Cadet Perez has maturity and focus well beyond her years. In light of these qualities and her continued dedication to the program, Cadet Captain Iliana Perez is awarded the Senior Army Instructor Award (N-3-1) and selected as Cadet of the Month.

Cadet Private Haliegh Gomez. Cadet Gomez is a rising star in the program. She is highly motivated to learn and freely gives her time. She is in the 9^th grade​‌ but performing as a Junior. She is active in all fund raising activities and blends in well with the S-8 staff. She stands out among her peers and is eager to pass on what she has learned to them. Cadet Gomez eagerly comes before and after school to help in the program. She is the "new breed" of cadets entering the program and one of the key leaders for the future. In light of these qualities and her demonstrated leadership potential, Cadet Private Haleigh Gomez is awarded the Senior Army Instructor Award (N-3-1) and selected as Cadet of the Month.

Cadet Private Sean Brown. Cadet Brown is another rising star in the JROTC program. He has boundless energy and has participated in every event the program has offered to include the flag detail, football parking, car wash and serving as a runner on special details. Cadet Brown was the very first cadet to show up in uniform immediately after it was issued to him. Sean comes from a military family that makes sure he is setting himself up for future success. Sean wants to try everything the program has to offer and is looking forward to the Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge in June 2024. In light of his performance and demonstrated potential for positions of leadership, Cadet Private Sean Brown is promoted to Private First Class and awarded the Senior Army Instructor Award (N-3-1) and selected as cadet of the month for November 2023.

Cadet Sergeant Chloe Swedlund. Cadet Swedlund has been in the JROTC program for 2 years now and has plans to complete 4 years in the program. Chloe is a quiet self-starter with a keen sense of purpose and focus. Like many others, Cadet Swedlund volunteers her time in the S-4 section (supply and logistics). After over one hundred uniforms were issued to cadets, Cadet Sergeant Swedlund took it upon herself to inventory, arrange and store the remaining uniforms and equipment in an organized and comprehensive manner. Any uniforms that were dirty or damaged are identified and sent out for cleaning / repairs. Additionally, Cadet Swedlund serves a dual purpose, being one of a few cadets in both the marching band and the JROTC program. We have seen Chloe show up before the football games for the parking detail, leave just before halftime to perform with the marching band, and after half time, return to the JROTC program to continue with fund raising activities. Cadet Swedlund is selfless and puts the well-being of others before herself. In light of her accomplishments and demonstrated potential for positions of greater responsibility, Cadet Chloe Swedlund is promoted to Staff Sergeant, awarded the Senior Army Instructor Impact Award (N-3-15), and selected as cadet of the month for November 2023.