Something large in a small package has been going on around Lewiston High School. There is a small group of young students who have decided to join the Army Cadet Corps. No, this is not all about the military, even though we are sponsored by the Army, wear a uniform, learn survival skills, and follow customs and standards of the military; that is not all there is to this group. The Army Cadet Corps provides students (12-18) with another view to see the world and a chance to learn to be successful, while giving the student-cadets tools and skills to use after high school on whatever path they travel. The program is physically and mentally challenging as well as rewarding, with a goal to help each student-cadet maintain a drug-free and gang-free lifestyle while preparing for post secondary education and career.

As a member of the cadets, I, along with our group, had the opportunity to go on trips to several different places throughout the year. For example, last year we visited the University of Maine at Orono to visit the campus as a possible college in our futures and to see the Traveling Physics Show, climb aboard the Maine Maritime Academy, view West Point, pay our respects to the Arlington Cemetery, and finish off with

a patriotic tour and learning session at Washington D. C. During the last of part of the summer, we joined other cadets from various states to attend the Basic Cadet Training in Virginia for two weeks other aspects of Army life. Then we finished the summer and started the beginning of this school year with a visit to Annapolis Naval Academy which included a tour, viewing of their cadets as well as going to a great football game. Knowing that leadership skills are necessary in all walks of life, the cadets participated in a leadership seminar at Norwich University with other students who were not all cadets.

As a part of the Army Cadet Corps, it is a part of our responsibility to give back to our community. We have served breakfast for the last two Veteran’s Days to the community veterans and their families. We encouraged food donations at the Lewiston High School football games which helped the community food pantry. As soon as spring comes, we will be working again to uncover the Memorial Garden from its winter blues. We do anything from cleaning parks to serving food and drinks at Christmas parties.

Our meetings are two Thursday evenings and one Saturday every month. It is during this time that we have classes that cover a wide variety of subjects such as land navigation, radio communications, customs and courtesies, First Aide, and marching movements. Also, we use some of this time to do our physical training to include weight training, running, exercises, and karate.

I have found being a cadet has enriched my time at Lewiston High School, give me focus, and a rich learning experience which has made me a better individual, student, team player, and citizen. If you would like to take up the challenge, information is available from any of the cadets at Lewiston High School or at 795-4195, Mr. LeBlanc.