By Josh Beavers
Minden alumna Amayah Joseph has been named Cadet Company Commander of the Grambling State University ROTC.
Joseph, a biology major, said the Grambling ROTC is special because of its leadership opportunities.
“In the ROTC program, they mold and groom you to become the best leaders for this nation,” she said. “Cadets are trained to think critically and wisely in order to achieve the best result in any given circumstance.”
Joseph was introduced to the ROTC program while she was a Minden High Crimson Tider.
“Amaya came to our JROTC program her freshman year in 2015,” MSGT Janell Larkin told The Journal. Larkin spent 28 years in the military and has led the Minden High JROTC for 12 years.
Of Joseph, Larkin said, “She was quiet at first and her main goal at the time was to get in physical shape. Her determination to reach her goal was made evident through her consistency in showing up early at least 4 days a week to work out. It was during these sessions that we developed a close bond.”
Larkin said JROTC is important because it helps young people become better citizens. The program also helps prepare students for responsibilities once they graduate by instilling in them leadership skills and placing them in leadership positions. The Minden program also has activities such as Color Guard, Drill Team, Orienteering, and Adventure Team activities that help build team relationships.
Joseph was promoted to a platoon leader position her sophomore year where she displayed her character to lead and motivate others in her own unique way.
“By the time she was a senior she had been selected to be our Battalion Commander,” Larkin said. “She earned the respect of her peers and subordinates because of her character and willingness to work alongside the cadets she was responsible for while also being the drum major for the band here at Minden High. One thing that stands out is that she is dedicated to whatever her goals are and she will help others reach their goals as well.”
Joseph plans to become an active duty physical therapist in the United States Army.
