THOMASVILLE- The Thomas County Central High School JROTC program has proven its excellence, earning the prestigious Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) rating during the recent JROTC Program Accreditation (JPA) inspection. This distinction places the TCCHS Yellow Jacket Battalion among the top JROTC programs in the nation.

“We are one of the top programs in the country,” said Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Kevin “Buzz” Ingram, Senior Army Instructor. “Most importantly, this rating validates our efforts and success over the past few years. We already knew the caliber of our cadets and what they are capable of achieving; this simply confirms it.”

The path to HUD required extensive preparation and commitment. Cadets rehearsed briefings, held after-school practices for drill and color guard, and focused on perfecting their in-ranks inspections and portfolio interviews.

“The preparation process was rigorous,” Ingram explained. “We focused on ensuring our cadets not only understood the requirements but also appreciated the significance of this accomplishment. We emphasized delivering the information in a way that satisfied the evaluators’ expectations while showcasing the quality of our program.”

The cadets’ efforts extended beyond the inspection to meaningful community contributions. Their Service Learning Project supported the Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center, collecting over 700 essential items for children and families affected by abuse.

“This project was about more than just meeting a requirement,” Ingram said. “It was about making a real impact on our community. Our cadets saw firsthand how their efforts could support a cause greater than themselves, and that’s an invaluable lesson.”

Achieving HUD wasn’t without its challenges. Maintaining focus and motivation throughout the preparation process was critical to the program’s success.

“Our biggest challenge was keeping everyone engaged and ensuring they understood how important this was,” Ingram said. “But I couldn’t be prouder of how they accepted the challenge, rose to the occasion, and delivered when it mattered most.”

Ingram highlighted the cadets’ performance during the Continuous Improvement Plan and Service Learning Project presentations, as well as the cadet portfolio interviews.

“They were poised, prepared, and confident,” he said. “The way they engaged in conversations and answered questions with confidence really impressed the evaluators—and me. It was clear they knew their material and believed in what they were presenting.”

The HUD rating authorizes cadets to wear the Gold Star, a symbol of their achievement and the program’s elite status.

“The Gold Star is the epitome of success in JROTC,” Ingram explained. “If you’re not wearing that star, you’re not performing at the level expected of top programs. It’s something our cadets are proud to wear, and it sets them apart when competing at regional and state events.”

Cadet Battalion Commander Aidan Poppell echoed this sentiment. “Earning the Honor Unit with Distinction means that I have successfully led my unit to achieve the highest recognition possible. This has been my goal since the beginning of the year, and it proves that our unit is one of the best in the nation.”

Platoon Sergeant Christina Gonzalez shared how the Gold Star motivates cadets. “It gives them confidence and shows what they can accomplish when they apply themselves. It inspires them to do better and reach for even higher goals.”

Charlie Company First Sergeant Emily Baillargeon added, “The Gold Star represents that our hard work and dedication finally paid off. Knowing we earned it makes all the effort worthwhile.”

The HUD rating marks a significant achievement, but it is not the end of the journey for the TCCHS JROTC program.

“Our work doesn’t stop with the JPA,” Ingram said. “There’s always room for improvement. We have to continue growing, evolving, and embracing new methods of learning to maintain this level of success.”

For Ingram, the ultimate goal of the JROTC program goes beyond inspections and accolades.

“The mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens,” he said. “The lessons learned from preparing for the JPA—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—will stay with our cadets long after they leave the program. That’s what really matters.”

Poppell concluded, “I’m incredibly proud of all our cadets and their hard work. This was a team effort, and the result speaks for itself. Now, our focus is on maintaining our success and continuing to strive for excellence.”

With a near perfect score of 96.75%, the TCCHS JROTC program has not only earned the Gold Star but also reaffirmed its status as a model of excellence, inspiring cadets to aim higher and make a lasting impact in their community.