Laurens Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) Leader Heads to Prestigious Summer Programs

Ellie Jones, a member of the Class of 2027 and the Commanding Officer of Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC), is spending her summer gaining invaluable leadership and academic experience. Cadet Jones was selected to participate in two prestigious programs: the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Palmetto Girls State and the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.

At Palmetto Girls State, a one-week immersive program, Cadet Jones will dive into the mechanics of state and local government. By simulating political campaigns and elections, she will engage directly with the democratic process, learning about citizenship and public service from guest speakers and experts in the field.

Following her time at Girls State, Cadet Jones will attend the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar. This six-day session offers a “midshipman’s-eye view” of the Academy, where she will live in Bancroft Hall and participate in workshops focused on leadership, academics, and athletics. This experience will provide her with firsthand insight into the opportunities available at the Academy.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for Cadet Jones, and we are extremely proud of her,” noted Laurens NJROTC unit leadership. Her participation in these programs underscores her dedication to leadership and her commitment to future service.

Laurens County School District 55 is proud of Ellie’s accomplishments and of the LDHS NJROTC program for shaping Ellie into a young leader. Contact Commander Kevin Borden at [email protected] or (864) 682-8328 to learn more about the LDHS NJRTOC.