Westerville Central and North high schools hosted special ceremonies last week honoring students who have chosen to enlist in the military following graduation.
The first annual Military Signing Day was held on May 8 at Westerville Central High School. Four students, their families, friends, and military recruiters were invited to attend a ceremony in the school’s library. Recognized for enlisting in the armed services were Precious Baker, United States Air Force; Charles “Max” Davis, United States Army Reserve; Elijah Kirkendall, United States Navy; and Brandon Rollins, United States Navy.
Principal Thomas Lanier opened the ceremony with a speech about the dedication and commitment of the four members of the class of 2019. Their recruiters spoke about each of the enlistees. Then, recruits talked about what led them to join the service and what they hoped to accomplish. All four spoke about wanting to give back to the community and their desire to serve their country.
Each student received a t-shirt with the Central Warhawk logo on the front and his or her branch of service printed on the back. They also received certificates recognizing their commitment. Cake and punch was served by attending teachers.
Westerville North High School hosted its first Military Signing Day on May 10 in the Warrior Learning Center. Present to congratulate the three student recruits being recognized was Pete LuPiba, Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) Commissioner for the State of Ohio, United States Navy and 2006 Iraq Veteran.
Ethan Mitchell has enlisted in the United States Army National Guard. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) will be a CBRN Specialist (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist) (47D). He will attend basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His ship date is July 2 and he has committed to six years.
Colton Bucholz has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) will be Security Forces (0311). He will attend basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina and Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Upon completion of those two trainings, Bucholz will head to Quantico, Virginia where he will receive his advanced individualized training (AIT). His ship date will be September 3 and he has committed to serve four years.
Noah Worsham has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) will be a metalworker (1316). He will attend basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina and Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Upon completion of those two trainings, Worsham will head to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland where he will receive his advanced individualized training (AIT). His ship date will be in June and he has committed to serve four years.