Soddy-Daisy High School's JROTC program has earned many trophies and honors, but school officials are most proud of the individual students: the cadets who excel and aspire to be leaders. The program is celebrating one of the rarest honors of all: two students who have been named the State's Cadet of the Year, in back to back years.
It takes energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to succeed and thrive in JROTC. At Soddy-Daisy High, no two students exemplify those traits better than senior Brandon Pippin and junior Krista Burnette. According to the Sons of the American Revolution, and the American Legion, Brandon was State Cadet of the Year for 2012. This year it's Krista.
Brandon is also 2nd runner up for National Cadet of the Year, and has earned appointments to both West Point and the US Naval Academy.
Each credit their program's Lt. Colonel Robert Ward with instilling the discipline and work ethic needed to move up the ranks. He says he couldn't be prouder of two students who are destined for leadership roles, in whatever field they choose.
Here is a listing of their recent honors and achievements:
Cadet LTC Brandon Pippin:
Tennessee Cadet of the Year 12/13 – Sons of the American Revolution
Tennessee Cadet of the Year 12/13- The American Legion
National Cadet of The Year 12/13- Second Runner-up
Appointment to West Point Army Academy
Appointment to the Naval Academy
Winner of the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross For Achievement
Cadet 1LT Krista Burnette:
Tennessee Cadet of the year 13/14 – Son of the American Revolution
Winner of this year's Kiwanis Club's Tennessee Girls State Scholarship
Selected for the Naval Academy Summer Leadership Seminar
American Legion Scholastic Excellent Award
Superior Cadet Award
Brandon Pippin and Krista Burnette
