A class president, JROTC cadet and black belt emerges as a leader at just 15.
By VALERIE TAYLOR
Published September 9, 2004
BROOKSVILLE - When it comes to leadership, Rachel Campbell doesn't just talk about it.
The Hernando High sophomore class president and JROTC cadet senior airman knows that leadership means, among other things, inspiring others to action by example. So when Rachel, 15, found out that no freshmen were running for class officers, she did what she encourages others to do. She got involved.
Addressing the freshmen in her JROTC class, she gave them her pitch: "It'll be fun. It helps you develop leadership skills and gets you involved. It'll look good on your resume. Spread the word."
After rallying the troops, she gave the call to action: "Come follow me," she said, and out of a class of 29 JROTC freshmen, 17 went with her to fill out the forms to run for class officers.
"I remember when I was a freshman, I wanted to be class president more than anything," she said. "But I never heard anything about it, so I missed the chance. I knew (these) freshmen would have the same problem, because freshmen don't always know what's going on."
Rachel's JROTC Senior Aerospace Science instructor, Col. Jim Crigger, said he's fortunate to have quite a few outstanding cadets, but he'd like to have 100 just like Rachel. He cited her positive attitude and exceptional skills. Last year, as a freshman, Rachel filled in as a color guard commander at a meet, carrying the American flag and issuing commands. She wound up winning "best commander" honors.
"Normally, (cadets) have to have more experience before something like that happens," said Crigger. "Usually in their junior or senior year."
Since missing the opportunity to run for freshman class president, Rachel hasn't missed many others. As sophomore class president, she's either in charge of or assists with activities such as homecoming and fundraising. She tutors Spanish I and II students. She plans to play tennis and try out for the swim team this year.
Outside school, Rachel competes in karate tournaments, and has brought home trophies from state and national championships. This year, she earned the coveted black belt.
Rachel's plans don't necessarily include the military, although she says she loves the JROTC experience.
"It teaches leadership skills, something that's important, because if you go out into the world you can't just be on the sidelines," she said.
Rachel, her mother, Laurie, and two younger brothers, Johnny, 11, and Joey, 8, live in Brooksville.
