Former WHHS Student Visits from USNA

Midshipman Lance Wetzel, a Wade Hampton graduate and sophomore at the Naval Academy, visited the ROTC classes recently to talk about education opportunities offered at Annapolis. Midshipman Wetzel was supported by the Naval Academy's Office of Admissions to let interested high school students know how to apply and what they might gain from a military academy education. Our cadets were pleased to have a WHHS graduate join us and tell some interesting stories about his experiences.

Cadets Reach Out to the Community

The holiday season always finds cadets from SC954 extending themselves to help others. Cadets have started a food drive that will continue until the Christmas break. Cadets have already collected 300 cans which have been picked up by the Salvation Army in time for Thanksgiving. Olga Aguero and Andrew Hooper (left) are shown packing the Salvation Army van after Alex Rodgers and Kyle Rothfus (right) packed the cans. Many thanks to Cadet Kristina Bracewell, our honor society commander, for planning and organizing this special event. "A" Flight is in the lead with 125 cans. Everyone will pitch in again after Thanksgiving. Our cadets are truly supporting the Air Force core value of "service before self".

Great Veterans Day With Sevier!

The Wade Hampton AFJROTC program has established a strong relationship with Sevier Middle School, and it really shows during Veterans Day activities. Ms. Karen Kapp, Principal at Sevier, and Ms. Bobbi Anderson, a teacher and the Veterans Day director welcomed us with open arms and let us share the opportunity to honor those who serve this great country. There were about 800 in attendance, and the ceremony was complete with music from the Sevier chorus and band and a rifle volley tribute from a US Marine honor guard. Our color guard presented and posted the colors and provided a wonderful flag-folding ceremony to show respect for the American flag. It was great to be in the presence of so many distinguished veterans and a wonderful group of middle school students. Thank you, Sevier, for letting us be part of such an outstanding program.

Veterans Reception at Sevier

After a very moving outdoor ceremony honoring our veterans, Wade Hampton cadets were invited to the Sevier Middle School Media Center for a reception honoring the veterans in attendance. The event was complete with a cake cutting performed by a World War II Army Air Corps fighter pilot. Cadets enjoyed good food and an outstanding opportunity to meet veterans from other generations.

A "Vigil" for Our Veterans

The "Veterans Vigil" has become a yearly tradition with the Wade Hampton AFJROTC program. It is not only an opportunity to recognize our local veterans, but it is also a way to establish solidarity with those who protect our freedoms. Cadet Captain Kristina Bracewell (right) stands watch over our honored veterans. This practice is continued non-stop during Veterans Day. This event is an excellent way to bridge the generations and keep faith with our veterans.

Thanks to Ms. Peters

Cadet Colonel Amanda Harper and Cadet Second Lieutenant Gregory Little stop by the front office to thank Ms. Elaine Peters for helping us get announcements made for Veterans Day. The "Cadet Vigil" was performed just outside her office, so she became our "honorary" sentinel as we honored our veterans.

Legion of Honor is Special

The recent Legion of Honor induction ceremony certainly marked a special day in the life of Wade Hampton High School and its Alumni. Our color guard was very privileged to be part of this landmark event. Cadet Colonel Amanda Harper led a first-class color guard that included Cadet Captain Kristina Bracewell, Cadet First Lieutenant Thomas Smith, and Cadet Second Lieutenant Gregory Little. Among the honorees at the ceremony was Admiral Mike McConnell, US Director of National Intelligence.

Flag for the Media Center

The ROTC Corps of Cadets recently showed their support for the Wade Hampton Media Center by donating a full-size American flag that is visible from all parts of the Media Center. Ms. Edge (right) and Ms. Walker accepted the flag on behalf of all students who use the Media Center. Shown with Ms. Edge and Ms. Walker are Cadet Colonel Amanda Harper, Corps Commander, and Cadet Second Lieutenant Gregory Little, ROTC Drill Team.

Eastside Week A Success!

ROTC cadets and parents jumped on board in support of Eastside Week. From cooking and selling burgers to displaying our colors, SC954 was well-represented. We would like to thank Walter Bruns, the Littles, and the Bracewells for taking charge of the burger sales which netted about $900. And of course thanks to the cadets who formed the patties and sold them. And the color guard - Cadets Harper, Smith, Bracewell, Little, and Hooper - were awesome. A job well done by all.