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The Central High School Hayneville JROTC (Junior Officers Training Corps) Lion Battalion held its annual promotion ceremony Monday, April 14, moving up over 40 program participants who had earned the honor of reaching the next level in their training.

Central’s JROTC instructor, MST Bruce Reeves, leads the group alongside assistant instructor, Sgt. First Class Michael Johnson. Reeves said the program recognized the unwavering dedication of the young men and women involved in the leadership training program.

“We recognize our cadets who have done an excellent job all year long in JROTC,” Reeves said. “So, for their effort, we go ahead and promote them to the next level, placing many of them into more of a leadership role.”

Upon enlisting in JROTC, Reeves said students begin at the rank of cadet. As they gain education, leadership skills and specialized training, students can move up through the ranks, just as service men and women do in the United States Armed Forces.

“They learn the history of JROTC,” Reeves said. “We teach them basic movements, like marching and engage them in different training, trying to make sure they understand what JRTOC is and what we are trying to get them to achieve.”

Ladarious Rudolph, promoted during the ceremony to Cadet Sergeant First Class, was placed in charge of the corps’ supplies.

“I’m over supply,” he said. “I keep everything organized.”

The sophomore has been involved in JROTC at Central for almost two years. From the time he joined as a freshman, Rudolph said he loved everything about JROTC.

“I have gained communication skills,” Rudolph said. “I feel like my role is to help us get better and better.”

Tamiah Adams was promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant and also helps keep the supply room in order.

“We’ve got to make sure everything is in order,” Adams said. “We check uniforms and things like that.”

Adams said she joined the battalion almost three years ago after watching participants grow in leadership skills because of their involvement in JROTC.

“When I first got here, I saw that people there showed leadership,” she said. “That made me want to join.”

Reeves has worked with the battalion for five years, growing the group from 51 to 115 cadets. During his tenure, cadets have competed on the national level and in local and state drill competitions, finishing fifth among 17 teams in a February competition held in Auburn.