GRANBURY, Texas -- As a branch, the Marine Corps stresses the importance of developing strong leaders with moral character to help fight for our Nation’s freedom and give back to the community when that duty is over. Nurturing these qualities in today’s youth is another way to ensure that the Corps is giving quality citizens back to the community.
The Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy is designed to do just that. Selected High School juniors from across the country are invited to attend the week-long academy held in Quantico, Virginia over the summer. During the evolution, students are challenged to strengthen their confidence and leadership skills with physical training and scenario-based reaction courses. the week-long Academy held in Quantico, VA.
Clarissa Layland, a student at Granbury High School, plans to use this opportunity to strengthen herself as a leader.
“To me, being a leader means helping and allowing your team to succeed while still allowing both you and your juniors to grow,” said Layland. “This program definitely peaked my interest because, as of now, I am interested in attending a military academy. I hope to learn to be an all-around better leader, both in and out of JROTC during this academy.”
Throughout the school year, Clarissa has realized how her current leadership roles have helped shape her character.
“I have been required to lead my classmates this entire school year,” she said. “This goes from leading our exercise sessions to helping them learn the material we have been going over. These small events have proven to shape my character; I feel more comfortable in exercising my command now than at the beginning of the year.”
SLCDA is designed to build upon foundational experiences such as these found in school, sports and other activities.
If you are interested in applying or nominating a student for next year’s academy, applications can be completed beginning January 2019 at https://slcda.marines.com