The Gaston County Board of Education used its Nov. 17 meeting to celebrate student and staff achievements and to spotlight the district’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs.

Dr. Shannon Hullett provided an overview of JROTC, saying the program—offered in five Gaston County high schools across four service branches—teaches leadership, citizenship, STEM skills and community service to nearly 500 cadets. "The JROTC... is not exclusively about joining the military. It's about developing leaders and characters for life," Hullett said.

A video and remarks from Colonel Robert Kudelko accompanied the presentation; cadets and instructors emphasized leadership development, drill teams, air rifle and community events. "We always depend on leaders," the colonel said in his remarks.

The board also recognized several award winners: Stewart W. Kramer and Southpointe girls golf teams for state-level results, Bethany Jennings as the 2025 North Carolina High School Choral Teacher of the Year, and multiple cafeteria staffs that have maintained perfect food-service scores since the 2018–19 school year.

The recognitions preceded regular business and were followed by a proclamation for American Education Week. The board placed the proclamation in the minutes and approved it unanimously.

What's next: District staff will continue program support for JROTC and celebrate student finalists at upcoming events.

(Reporting notes: awards and program descriptions summarized from the district’s recognition sequence during the Nov. 17 meeting.)