ATHENS, W.Va. — Nineteen cadets from the Logan High School Air Force Junior ROTC recently participated in the Mountaineer Cadet Officer Leadership School (MCOLS), held at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. The weeklong program, considered one of the region’s premier leadership training experiences for high school cadets, ran earlier this June and brought together over 250 top-performing cadets from multiple states.
MCOLS is designed to challenge and develop young leaders through a rigorous curriculum of physical training, leadership exercises, classroom instruction, drill and ceremony, and team-building activities. For many cadets, the experience provides a valuable opportunity to grow as both individuals and team members.
Major Lance Roberts, the unit’s Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, emphasized the significance of the training: “These cadets are learning how to lead under pressure, how to manage stress, and how to support a team. These are lessons they’ll carry into college, the military, or any career path they choose.”
Throughout the week, the Logan cadets trained alongside their peers in a highly structured environment that emphasized discipline, teamwork, and communication. Cadets were evaluated on their leadership abilities, academic performance, drill proficiency, and physical fitness.
Many of the cadets from Logan have been active members of the Air Force JROTC program for several years, and several hold leadership positions within the unit. Additionally, all 19 have been involved in a wide range of school and community organizations.
In addition to the leadership opportunities that the cadets were able to participate in, they also were able to meet the Director of Air Force JROTC, Colonel Matthew E. Tipton. They were also inspired by Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright, who was able to share his experiences and his leadership mindset that aided his success.
The week concluded with a formal graduation ceremony on the campus’s Callaghan Stadium, where parents, instructors, and military leaders honored the accomplishments of all participating cadets. For the Logan contingent, the event marked the culmination of a transformative experience—and the beginning of new responsibilities back home.
