Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools issued the following announcement on Oct. 29.
Mallard Creek High's Army JROTC has started a new tradition in 2021 designed themed physical training. Each month, different exercises and activities will support that month's theme. It began in September with mental health as the first theme. Cadets began each daily formation by discussing mental health facts and statistics with their peers. Operations Sgt. Major Cadet Charlieze Portlock came up with the idea, and the cadet leadership embraced it.
The school's psychologist and counselors provided cadets with available resources and mental health techniques to improve their well-being.
"This is an awesome way to bond as a battalion," said Lt. Col. Aiden Palmer, battalion commander.
The month concluded with a physical training activity, with different stations representing parts of the brain. The intent was to teach cadets about how the brain works. Each exercise highlighted a part of the brain and its function. One of the exercises, Red Light Green Light, taught cadets how the thalamus keeps people alert. Jumping jacks represented the medulla by raising the heart rate and blood flow. The theme in October was Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and November will be veterans.
"It's amazing when given the opportunity, how cadets can think of creative ideas to make their experience fun, challenging and informative," said JROTC instructor 1st Sgt. Brian Edwards.
Original source can be found here.
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