Seniors Kiahna Washington and Rebecca Kirby have been selected for two out of the three head leadership positions in Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Because their unit meets at Vista Ridge HS, most of the leaders in the past have been students at VRHS.

Washington, who serves as Cadet Company Commander, oversees all of the NJROTC positions and makes sure everything runs smoothly throughout the unit. She takes orders from instructors Chief Ysaguirre and Commander Hamblet.  

“I am extremely honored to have this position,” Washington said. “It’s like a milestone that students from Rouse get to have this leadership experience.”                               

Kirby, who operates as Company Senior Chief, helps the drill teams prepare for competitions. She monitors the platoon commanders to make sure they get the plan of the week and the physical training plan of the week. She also makes sure all messages between the commander and chief are received.

“Having two out of our top three leaders from Rouse has never happened,” Kirby said. “It has always been the Vista cadets in top leadership positions. Kiahna and I are breaking barriers, which makes it an exciting year for us.”

Whereas in the past, Leander’s NJROTC program was known as Vista Ridge NJROTC, it is now known as The Lone Star Company. The unit includes students from Rouse, Cedar Park, Vista Ridge and Glenn High School.

“When I was a platoon commander, I had about 25 people under my command,” Kirby said. “Now, with my advancement, there are 120 people under my command. They are very competitive, and they are a lot to handle, but I feel honored to take up the responsibility.”

Looking back at her career in the ROTC, Kirby said the program has impacted her by helping her grow in many areas. She said every part of her life has been influenced the program.

“Taking a on leadership position in my classes is the exact same thing that I would do in ROTC,” Kirby said. “It helps me stay on task, keeps my life in order and makes me be an active leader. Being part of NJROTC has given me an amazing amount of growth in my personal life and commanding life.”

Washington also has experienced growth in her life because of NJROTC. In addition to her position as Commanding Officer of the unit, she was selected as one of 2,000 students in the nation to attend the US Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Maryland.

By participating in the program over the summer, she will wake up at five every morning and do physical training. Washington will also go through leadership training to further enhance her skills.

“It will be like a week in the life of a cadet at the Naval Academy,” Washington said. “It can help buy your way into the Naval Academy when you apply, which I am, and it will look really good on a resume. I’m excited about it and am really looking forward to going.”

To see how the company is functioning under Washington, watch RNN on Monday to get the latest.