Category: Education

First Football

Football. Okay, not exactly my interest, but being that my Junior ROTC daughter was in the Color Guard, I was eager to go… then make an early exit. But, the family wanted to stay through Half Time, so I settled in to let the clock wind down. However, once the band marched out, Color Guard in tow, and starting playing, I realized that this was going to be thrilling, to say the least. Blake High School’s band was called “the Cadillac of high school bands,” by the announcer, and they lived up to his praise. They are simply fantastic! We ended up staying for the entire game, entertained by the band and the exciting gridiron performance.

My daughter, Kalena, carried a rifle in the Color Guard for Blake’s first football game.

At the end of the fourth quarter, Blake took the win with 27 points to 16.

Blake High School’s Yellow Jackets.

Riverview’s Spoto High School’s Spartans.

Air Force Junior ROTC

I was very surprised and completely overjoyed to learn that my geek and techie daughter decided to join Howard W. Blake High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program. As an actor, singer and artist, such a career and education option seemed totally out of character. However, upon deeper reflection, I can see why and how she could arrive at such a choice.

From a logical stand point, it will give her skills and discipline that will aid her in life and career. Of course, there is the educational benefits, such as covering college. Then there is the area of serving one’s country. Being born in the early sixties, I registered for the draft, though I never served. To this day, it is one of my biggest regrets. To see that my daughter is stepping up, on her own decision at fourteen, to at least start the journey to learn if it’s the path for her is heartwarming. I am very proud of her, to say the least.