One of the many classes at Canyon Ridge High School is Military Leadership, which helps prepare students for the military and provides career exploration helping advocate for trade schools and other college careers
In Military Leadership a student can learn about rank structure, military time, American military history, and more. On Thursday students who participate in the class wear a red shirt and tan pants which other students joke looks like “Jake From State Farm”. However, those uniforms are for them to learn professionalism and responsibility for their appearance.
Cheyenne Medley a Junior at CRHS joined Military Leadership because she became interested due to past family members in Military service. Medley is also thinking of joining the Air Force. Medley mentioned that the class “shows us things like working as a team and working under pressure” and said, “It is very entertaining once people are used to the atmosphere of the class. It can be a very fun class”.
Bryant Anderson, a junior at CRHS, is also part of Military Leadership. Anderson is interested in joining the Marine Corps, which is known to be one of the hardest and most challenging branches, and remarked, “I love how the class isn’t just a bunch of assignments on my Chromebook, and how it motivates you to give your all in everything you do.”
Anderson also stated, “ The class is amazing because you are taught useful information and PT[Physical Traning] that prepares you for the military, and as you are doing it causes you to grow closer to your classmates.” When asked if the class was hard, Anderson acknowledged “The class is challenging only as long as you push yourself to get stronger and smarter.”
Early in the morning, students may hear “yelling” through the halls. Sargent Pak who teaches Military Leadership stated, “It’s just Military Leadership students sounding off and saying their motto. The louder the students are, the more motivated they are”. Sargent Pak also talked about how they learn Military Customs on Thursdays and on Fridays have physical training.
Sargent Pak who has been in the army for almost nine years teaches Military Leadership. Sargent Pak started teaching at Twin Falls High School three years ago and has since expanded the class by bringing it to CRHS. She mentioned “I always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself..” so when her brother introduced her to Military Leadership she took it up and fell in love teaching the class.
Upon regarding her students, Sargent Pak said “Students are motivated, dedicated, and they are happy to be here.” Finally, when asked if she had any advice for her students she said “Don’t give up. Your future is what you put into it. It all starts now”. She wishes to get this message across to more students outside her class but hopes her class causes a ripple effect.
