JROTC Cadets at SCHS run Currahee Mountain

A group of JROTC Cadets at Stephen County High School (SCHS) recently ran up Currahee Mountain and spent the night in the barracks, explains Edward Luttrell, Senior Army JROTC Instructor at SCHS.

“We had about 20 Cadets show up at Camp Toccoa at Currahee Mountain, where we were able to do some physical fitness activities the day before, spend the night in the barracks, and then run up and down the mountain the following morning. Three-miles up, three-miles down.”

Luttrell thanked several people for assisting in their visit to Camp Toccoa at Currahee.

“The Toccoa Elks Lodge for providing meals for us, mentorship, and helping educate our students on civic organizations and what they do for our community. Inspiring them to volunteer in our community, so we wanted to recognize Pinky Dill for coming out and being kind of the spokesman for that event. Also, Brian Westmoreland for bringing us dinner that night. Humorously, spaghetti as in episode 1 of Band of Brothers. We want to send a shout out for the folks at Currahee Mountain Incorporated who were able to facilitate our request. Brad, who works there. He is the caretaker of that facility, and all his abilities, and just a tremendous person in helping us out. Then also, the VFW 436, Jeff Ventura, he’s the commander over there, and he personally walked and made sure that we were able to get breakfast that morning. So, we had quite a few volunteers from both the VFW and the Elks Lodge in Toccoa, really inspiring our Cadets, what it is to be involved in civic organizations and to volunteer in the community.”   

The Cadets will soon be raising the flag at an Atlanta Falcons game, adds Luttrell.

“We’re going to do the flag detail at the Atlanta Falcons game on August 14. So, we’ll be on the football field at the Mercedes-Benz Dome. So, the Falcons game is a preseason game versus the Broncos.” 

The JROTC program at SCHS is a citizenship program where young men and women have an opportunity to learn patience, perseverance, and responsibility. Through character development courses, physical fitness competitions, and a variety of community service opportunities, Cadets build strong relationships with fellow students and their Army Instructors. They also learn invaluable life skills and are ready for a world of future possibilities.  

Students interested in JROTC should speak to their guidance counselor at SCHS.