A local high school student and AFJROTC Cadet Samuel Bujnarowski was recently appointed to serve for a week starting May 21st as a Senate Page in the North Carolina General Assembly. He received the recommendation from Senator Joyce Waddell.
The purpose for the program is to provide interested mature teens an enjoyable, educational and memorable experience. It’s about teaching civics, giving high school students a better understanding of government, and how the state legislature functions in North Carolina.
Samuel has always expressed an interest in government and is looking forward to the real world experience to witness the state legislature in action first hand. “I’m thinking seriously about becoming an investigative journalist, and to experience an actual government body in action at the highest level in the state is exciting,” said Samuel.
He is a sophomore at Independence High School, however, he is already considering attending journalism school, with a focus on communications, political science and philosophy. He also will consider joining ROTC while attending college if the institution offers an Air Force program.
Samuel has had three siblings who have previously been involved in JROTC programs and believes the experience is certainly worthwhile. The JROTC course is focused on building core values, being accountable, learning personal responsibility, commitment, dedication, teamwork and become part of something greater than yourself. “The program is designed to build character, challenge cadets, provide motivation, instill discipline, integrity and excellence which are all important character traits for young people to learn,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey J. Jenkins who is the Department Chair of AFJROTC education at the school.
Depending upon the semester there are between 150 to 300 student cadets enrolled. The certified instructors offer a variety of academic courses including a Flying Club, Model Rocket Club, Rifleman Team, Color Guard, Model Aviation Club, Drill Team which requires discipline while learning life skills designed to have a positive impact upon the cadets in all their future endeavors.
The academic schedule is focused on aerospace science, leadership education, and wellness education. This includes field trips and training opportunities cadets will experience. Also, there is a focus on community service projects and intramural competition.
