JROTC experience inspires local high school student to join military

Stokely Browne and Colin Hymes—Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - At Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS), Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Cadet Elisa Massaro is taking her steps forward in her military involvement.

Massaro said her interest in the JROTC began with the schools Raider team and her passion for sports. Massaro explained that "As someone who has always been very involved in sports, Raiders seemed very intriguing.”

Through her time in JROTC, Massaro has developed goals that extend beyond Lakewood Ranch High. She plans to join the Army, a path she feels aligned closely with her ambitions.

According to Massaro, “Joining during my junior year allowed me to get an early start while opening up more opportunities in the future.” When a student is involved in JROTC for two years before enlisting, they receive an immediate advanced enlistment rank, which gives higher pay and potential scholarships.

Massaro believes the program has prepared her for the path ahead, by teaching discipline, teamwork, and leadership. She hopes to apply the lessons she has learned in JROTC while serving our country.

Preparing for that future requires both physical and mental dedication. Massaro said she stays active through sports, gym workouts, and running.

Mentally, she focuses on remembering the reasons she chose this path. “I remember ‘why’ when times get tough,” she said, explaining that staying motivated helps her push through challenges.

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Leadership is another skill she gained from the program. Massaro said one of the most important lessons she has learned is how to work with different personalities while maintaining professionalism. She also believes good leaders must prioritize the needs of their teams.

Her experiences have already left lasting memories. One of her proudest moments in JROTC was learning that the company she commanded received the title of Honor Company during the annual awards ceremony.

Looking into the future, Massaro believed the military will shape her future by providing opportunities and experiences she might not find anywhere else. She hopes for her journey through JROTC, and the Army can inspire other cadets as well.

Her advice to future JROTC students is simple, “To never let adversity stop you from achieving your goals, and regardless of how long it takes, hard work will always pay off.”