Apollo High School junior Karis Young has been selected as the 2022 Kentucky Air Force JROTC Cadet of the Year by the Air Force Association of Kentucky. Following her recognition earlier this month, Young will prepare to compete nationally on April 29.
Young has distinguished herself as Corps Commander for KY-071 Apollo High School Air Force JROTC and Color Guard Commander. She also served as Cadet Wing Commander for the 2021 Fall Field Training Exercise (FTX) at the Wendell Ford Training Center.
As the Corps Commander, Young developed a recruiting program to connect Burns Middle School students with information about the benefits and opportunities available to students through the AHS Air Force JROTC program. Along with a small team, Young created a recruiting presentation and coordinated visits to each BMS science class, leading each of these presentations herself.
“Cadet Lt. Colonel Karis Young is a true leader who inspires others to do their best,” said Chief Frank Smith. “I am very proud of her and her selection as the Cadet of the Year for Kentucky.”
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps programs emphasize values of citizenship and personal responsibility, college or career readiness, community outreach and volunteerism, physical activity, leadership and friendly interscholastic competition through a multitude of teams and events. Students participating in JROTC have the opportunity to build skills in areas such as leadership, self-confidence and discipline. Personal skills such as health, nutrition and financial management are also emphasized as part of the program.
