LW Air Force Junior ROTC Students Complete Leadership School

FRANKFORT, IL — Students from the Air Force Junior ROTC programs at Lincoln-Way Central, East and West high schools recently completed a week-long leadership school conducted at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. The district said cadets endured intense physical training and leadership skill classes as well as team-building activities.

Twenty-three Lincoln-Way students at the camp were part of approximately 160 cadets representing Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan.

The Lincoln-Way cadets who attended the course were: Grace Anderson, Damian Bahena, Jory Bell, Justin Corero, Donavan Davis, Autumn Doyle, Peter Fasano, Chris Flynn, Rhys Fuller, Adam Grande, Andrew Hill, Mikayla Hollingsworth, Griffin Jones, Amanda Lask, Connor Lindaur, Karys Mackey, Joshua Mackowiak, Magan Martinez, Marcus McCarty, Bella Olson, Robert Osdieck, Stephanie Villagomez and Julia Ward. They were accompanied by Lt Col. John O’Connor (LW East) and Master Sergant Dan Schliffka.

Several Lincoln-Way cadets were recognized for various achievements at the leadership school, including:

• Distinguished Graduates (Top 10%) - Marcus McCarty and Chris Flynn
• Top Academic Award - Rhys Fuller
• Drill Commanders - Rhys Fuller and Magan Martinez
• Top Squadron Members - Autumn Doyle, Peter Fasano, Donavan Davis, Rhys Fuller, Adam Grande and Robert Osdieck
• Top Flight Member - Autumn Doyle, Donavan Davis, Adam Grande
• First Place Flight Drill Competitors - Autumn Doyle, Donavan Davis and Adam Grande
• First Place JROTC Olympics - Justin Corero, Magan Martinez and Connor Lindaur
• Field Training Exercise Award - Grace Anderson, Mikayla Hollingsworth and Julia Ward

“Our cadets did an outstanding job representing Lincoln-Way,” Schliffka, instructor for both Lincoln-Way Central and West, said in a release. “This particular Leadership School is considered to be one of the most highly structured and disciplined course available to cadets in the Midwest. All cadets were personally selected to attend and did not disappoint in their determination to excel. This school provides an opportunity for all of our cadets to grow in their leadership skills which will they will be able to carry over into serving their school and local community.”

“Ohio Valley Leadership School is an outstanding program that deserves praise from the entire nation. That week of training has truly made me a better leader and citizen for Lincoln-Way and my community," Flynn, who was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate, said in a release. "What I personally got out of OVLS is learning to work better alongside other cadets from all over the Midwest. Everyday held a new experience and helped me to appreciate the United States Air Force and its members serving it."

Students will use their learned skills in the upcoming Lincoln-Way High School Air Force Junior ROTC Summer Drill Camp scheduled for Aug. 12-16.