For Ray-Pec High School student Brooklin Brandenburg, leadership and a love of horses are coming together in an exciting new way through the Army JROTC Panther Battalion's newly established Cavalry Detachment.
Brandenburg and fellow cadet Serenity Sloan are helping launch the program, which gives students a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, responsibility and teamwork while working alongside their equine partners.
Brandenburg is paired with her horse, Royal, while Sloan works with Reagan. Together, the cadets and their horses are introducing a distinctive military tradition to Ray-Pec.
Outside of specialized military academies, the Panther Battalion is believed to be one of the few, if not the only, Army JROTC programs in the country to feature an active Cavalry Detachment.
For Brandenburg, the opportunity is especially meaningful because Royal is already an important part of her life.
"This program means so much to me, and getting to do it with my horse makes it that much better," Brandenburg said. "My main mount, Royal, is not only my best friend, but a huge part of my life in and out of school. Outside of Ray-Pec, we compete in barrel racing, as well as rodeos, so our bond goes much farther than just in this program!"
Now, that bond is helping Brandenburg put the leadership skills she is learning in JROTC into practice.
"Within JROTC, we are learning to develop strong leadership, and that transfers over to this new Detachment," she said.
A Tradition Rooted in Respect and Service
The Cavalry Detachment made its official debut Oct. 24 during the battalion's annual fundraiser, where Royal and Reagan were symbolically promoted to the rank of cadet staff sergeant.
The ceremony recognized a military tradition that emphasizes respect for animals serving alongside military personnel and the responsibility of those entrusted with their care.
For Brandenburg and Sloan, the tradition connects military history with the lessons they are learning about leadership, trust and responsibility.
Students Building a New Tradition
As two of the first cadets to participate in Ray-Pec's Cavalry Detachment, Brandenburg and Sloan are helping establish a program that future JROTC students may have the opportunity to experience.
Their work with Royal and Reagan demonstrates that leadership development can happen in many ways, including through the patience, dedication and responsibility required to care for an animal.
For Brandenburg, the experience brings together her passion for horses and her interest in leadership, creating an opportunity to grow alongside a trusted partner.
It's another example of how #ChoiceHappensHere at Ray-Pec, where students have opportunities to explore their passions, discover their strengths and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.