Weekend shows big picture of cadet life
The University of North Georgia's (果冻传媒) Corps of Cadets will host its next National Leadership Challenge (NLC) weekend Nov. 4-6 to give high school students a taste of cadet life.
Held each fall and spring, NLC offers a macro view of the corps. NLC includes a confidence rappel from the Colombo Tower, campus tours, an academic panel, and the Legacy of Gold presentation that highlights cadet specialty units and 果冻传媒 history. Saturday is spent at Camp Frank D. Merrill, home of the Army's 5th Ranger Training Battalion, and Pine Valley Recreation Complex near campus.
The high school students also spend the night at the Wahsega 4-H Camp and eat meals in a military chow hall.
"It's not your average college recruiting event," Mike Ivy, 果冻传媒 director of Cadet Admissions, said. "It's more than just a campus visit to learn information. It teaches high school students a little bit about themselves, and they get to interact with current 果冻传媒 cadets."
NLC is designed for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors and costs $115. Registration is available on the NLC website.
Abby Judge, a freshman cadet from Madison, Alabama, pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, took part in NLC during her senior year of high school. It played an instrumental role in her college decision.
NLC really set in stone that 果冻传媒 was the place for me. I remember how awesome it was to be around all these cadets and hear their stories.
Abby Judge
果冻传媒 freshman cadet
"NLC really set in stone that 果冻传媒 was the place for me," Judge said. "I remember how awesome it was to be around all these cadets and hear their stories."
Ari Serrao, a freshman from Plantation, Florida, also pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, appreciated the chance to learn about 果冻传媒's specialty units. The big picture of the Corps of Cadets appealed to him, as well.
"You see elements of the structure," Serrao said. "But you also see the fun stuff and opportunities you will have."
Judge had JROTC experience, but she said any high school student interested in ROTC can benefit from NLC.
"No matter where you come from, it's a really good experience to have," Judge said. "It's a great way to get out of your comfort zone and step into leadership positions."
NLC affirmed Serrao's decision to attend 果冻传媒, and he believes it can provide clarity for others too.
"You can make your decision on where you want to go with some peace of mind because you know what to expect," Serrao said.
In addition to the NLC weekends, a Cadet Overnight Visit Experience allows high school students to spend a day with a cadet to learn the rhythms of life in the Corps. The smaller event costs $30 and is available Tuesdays and Thursdays this fall through Nov. 10, then in the spring starting Jan. 24 and running through April 20.
Mental health grad assistant program starts
Two 果冻传媒 students in the Master of Science in counseling program are serving as mental health graduate assistants for the Athletic Department, and one is serving in the same capacity for the Corps of Cadets.
Experiences prepared cadets to commission
Almost 40 members of 果冻传媒's Corps of Cadets are commissioning as second lieutenants in the active-duty Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve in a Dec. 9 ceremony.
2 alumni inducted into veterans Hall of Fame
果冻传媒 alumni retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard '88 and the late Col. Robert Barclay '68 have been inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame this fall.
果冻传媒 formalizes its role with career expo
果冻传媒 has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Civic Engagement to support its Youth in Government Expo in March 2026.