My mom and I walked towards Scott Middle School for my eighth-grade open house. My mom said, "look" — it was the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) section of the Fort Knox High School. "Are you going to do that when you're in high school?" 

Thinking for a moment, I said, "No," and we left it at that. In the last days of eighth grade, we were choosing classes for next year, and I asked my friends what they were going to do, and they all said "JROTC," —  so I signed up for it with the expectation of dropping it if I didn’t like it.

On the first day of freshman year, I went to my classes and learned JROTC is basically a free A, so I didn't drop it. As time went on, it was one class I looked forward to every day. Chief Akin has made my time during that class worth a lifetime of memories and good times. Through Chief's class, I've met people I never thought I would be friends with me. I believe that Chief's way of teaching was one that stood above the rest; he was committed to making people better citizens. 

Kids that take his class came from all over and with different opinions, but because of him, we improved ourselves. I have to thank Chief Akin for making me who I am today — a leader, just a little bit extroverted, and compassionate. 

It was the little things that stuck with me like when he taught us how to shake someone's hand properly. He also taught me that first impressions are everything — every time I meet someone new, I always remember his lessons.

Taking his class has changed me; it showed me my strengths and weaknesses as a leader and as a person. The mission of that class is to make students better citizens. Everyone has different reasons for taking the course, but one thing is definite when they walk out of class, they genuinely take what you say to heart even if they don't show it on the outside. So on behalf of all of the kids that have taken your class, I thank you for this fantastic experience, and today I would like to say, I have no fear, I stand motivated, motivated, motivated, downright dedicated, come check it out, Hooah.