Ansbach High School: Cadet embraces leadership opportunities

Cadet Kennedy Lange (Photo by Madonna Roberts, Senior Army Instructor)

Written by Cadet Marley Shackleton

Cadet Kennedy Lange, an Army JROTC Cadet from Ansbach High School, received the distinct honor of attending two leadership programs outside of Army JROTC. The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and West Point Summer Leadership Experience are both week-long programs to teach leadership skills, citizenship, team building, and more. Lange is currently a senior at Ansbach Middle High School, a three-season athlete, honor roll student, and president of the local National Honor Society. Last year, she was the 9th JROTC Battalion Commander.

With Ansbach High School being located in Germany, DODEA-Europe Girls State students are sponsored by the Maryland ALA.

“Girls State was a really great opportunity to learn about our system of government. It was impactful to meet so many people with influence. The hands-on learning experience was unique in that you got to be a part in creating your ideal government,” said Lange.

In comparison to the Girls State, Lange said, “The Summer Leadership Experience was much different. The program at West Point is a military style week long experience where attendees get a taste of what being a West Point cadet is like, with rigorous schedules, tough PT sessions, fun obstacle courses, and many opportunities for leadership and team building.”

Overall, both experiences are great opportunities to figure out where you want to go in life and build important skills for any future situations.