Pictured are Friedrich Josellis, far right, with Warsaw Army Cadets, from left,  Dominic Albano, Grayson Drudge, Katherine Josellis, Kyle Miller and Nicole Moyer.

Written by Amy Smelser 

WARSAW — For 20 summers, Cadets from the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps classes across the state have met at Camp Atterbury, near Edinburgh, to participate in a week of adventure and leadership skills training. Approximately 250 Cadets from about 20 high schools from Indiana and Ohio converged on Camp Atterybury from June 18 – 23.

Six JROTC students were selected by their instructors Jon Mitchell and Friedrich Josellis, because of their academics and Cadet activity. 

Cadet Kyle Miller went to this course for the first time, garnered a top 10 finish within his company.  Cadet Katherine Josellis went to the course her second time and also received a top ten finish as well.  She also got coined by her First Sergeant because she completed 11 rappels (free-falling and down a wall) which was the most in her company. Cadet Grayson Drudge, who also returned for a second time, received elite honors. He was selected the Top Cadet in his company.  He was coined as well, for his many endeavors one of which was being the team captain of his company’s volleyball team that went undefeated.

Miller stated that this leadership course inspired him to pursue his goal of joining the United States Marine Corps.  “I enjoyed the experience and it was motivating to go on and the real deal.” 

Drudge was nostalgic as he thought about his experiences. “This was my final JROTC leadership camp,” he noted. “This leadership camp and JROTC at WCHS have provided me with more leadership opportunities than anything else I have done my entire school career.  I can’t say enough how thankful I am to have been involved with JROTC.”

Josellis and Mitchell lead Marion’s JROTC program, and they expect about 100 students to participate in JROTC during this 2017-2018 school year. Between them, they have close to 55 years of military service. Josellis noted that they are always interested in teaching Cadets from all walks of life.

Josellis shared his favorite, personal memory of this camp. “I rappelled down the wall with my daughter. Most dads will take their daughters to a daddy-daughter dance,” he said. “However, I went down 60 feet with her, and she did it better than me!”

There is no military obligation to join WCHS’ Army JROTC and students interested in joining the Warsaw Army JROTC need to be between 9th and 12 grades.  They can obtain additional information about joining the school’s Army JROTC program by contacting WCHS’ counselors or Josellis (574) 371-5099 ext. 2163.