Cadet Lt. Col. Mayra Calderon receives Army JROTC highest award at Deming High

DEMING – Mayra Calderon has spent the past four years drawing a road map toward success in life. The vehicle she has chosen is the JROTC Army Program at Deming High School.

"This program has provided me with amazing leadership skills that will help me be successful in life after high school," Calderon said. "It teaches you about citizenship and helping others to be successful in life."

Calderon, is a 17-year-old senior at DHS who holds the highest rank in the Wildcat Battalion Commander as a Lieutenant Colonel. "This is the highest position within our program which also carries the most responsibility," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Ray (U.S. Army-R).

"I am really proud of our battalion," Calderon told the Headlight, "they are amazing. They are sharp, pick up lessons quick and a strong united group. They are always doing what they can for one another."

On October 28, Cadet Lt. Col. Calderon received the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award. "This award recognizes the most outstanding cadet who is enrolled in the program and demonstrates the highest leadership ability," Ray explained. "The recipient of the award must also hold a positive attitude toward the JROTC Program and the United States of America."

Calderon became familiar with the DHS JROTC program when instructors and cadets visiting Red Mountain Middle School eighth graders. "I thought to myself, 'hey, this is different.' I was impressed by what they had to offer and the dress uniforms," she said.

She joined the program her freshman year and quickly adapted to cadet life at DHS. "I was really a shy person before JROTC," Calderon explained. "...to the point where I would just shy away when talked at. It (JROTC) immediately built my confidence and I wasn't afraid to speak up and talk to crowds.

Calderon says her parents are the most impressed with her involvement in the program. "They are so proud of me, especially my father. He noticed a change in me from behind shy to outspoken." Mayra is a daughter of Martha Orozco and Juan Calderon. She has two sisters.

Cadet Calderon plans on graduating high school and attending New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. She plans to pursue a career in Social Work.

The JROTC program at DHS is under the leadership of Lt. Col. Todd Moultrie (R-Army) along with SFC Ray. Moultrie uses every resource to get the word out about the JROTC program and how it can benefit students, families, community and school.

"On the outside, the military-based program can be intimidating. On the inside, the program's benefits significantly outweigh any pre-conceptions. Our job is to develop these students to their fullest," Moultrie told the Headlight in a previous interview.

JROTC is set up for success at DHS. The goals for each cadet are attainable. “It’s not easy, but it is accessible. We bring the cadets in and watch them achieve,” Ray said. “A lot of people think this program is set up to put you in the military, and that is a big misconception. We changed the name of our program to JROTC Leadership Course. We are teaching the kids about life.”

Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (leave a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.

This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Cadet Lt. Col. Mayra Calderon receives Army JROTC highest award at DHS