Cadets excel at Advanced Camp
This summer, 93 University of North Georgia (¶¶Òõ̽̽App) rising senior cadets completed the Army's Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
¶¶Òõ̽̽App's Corps of Cadets students excelled in the five-week Advanced Camp where U.S. Army Cadet Command tested their military and leadership skills. This allowed Cadet Command to assess their proficiency as future officers. Camp is required for all cadets who seek a military officer commission.
Seventeen ¶¶Òõ̽̽App cadets earned the Recondo badge, which is awarded to cadets who display superior skills by exceeding the standards in all camp activities.
"The superb educational environment at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App, coupled with leadership-forming opportunities within the Corps of Cadets, molds the reliable foundation of success for our Boar's Head Brigade cadets," Col. Bryan Kirk, ¶¶Òõ̽̽App professor of military science, said. "The dedication of our faculty and staff not only teaches their field of study, but also how to think. This prepares cadets to encounter and react to new and unknown situations."
¶¶Òõ̽̽App cadets on the commissioning track complete Leadership Development Program (LDP) throughout their junior year in preparation for Advanced Camp. Cadet Capt. Addilyn Koonce, a senior from Stuutgart, Germany, pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Chinese language and literature, will serve as Charlie Company commander for 2022-23.
Nighthawk cadets are dependable and consistent whether we send 95 or 135 cadets to camp. Their confidence in adverse situations while in a field training environment or leading and making decisions while participating in training events is remarkable.
Col. Bryan Kirk
¶¶Òõ̽̽App professor of military science
"When I got to Advanced Camp and was doing these tasks, I felt like I was prepared. I felt comfortable because I had already done it at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App through LDP," Koonce said. "It helped me be more confident with the challenges I faced."
Cadet Capt. Michael Blumthal also thrived on the high-pressure scenarios.
The senior from Sugar Hill, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in supply chain and logistics management, will serve as Headquarters Company commander in 2022-23.
"It throws you into an environment you're not comfortable with. It tests who you are as a person and how you interact with other people," Blumthal said. "It taught me to be flexible with my leadership styles and how to motivate people to get specific tasks done."
¶¶Òõ̽̽App also had 13 students attend Cadet Advanced Individual Training this summer in a variety of disciplines.
Kirk, entering his second year at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App, said the university's cadets always rise to the occasion at trainings like Advanced Camp.
"¶¶Òõ̽̽App cadets' ability to consistently perform within a high band of excellence across multiple year groups and at scale continues to impress me," Kirk said. "Nighthawk cadets are dependable and consistent whether we send 95 or 135 cadets to camp. Their confidence in adverse situations while in a field training environment or leading and making decisions while participating in training events is remarkable."
Courtney researches Oval Office décor
Alumna Sara Courtney's last semester at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App included the opportunity to visit the nation's capital and present at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
McGill takes reins as brigade commander
Grace McGill has been named Corps of Cadets brigade commander for 2026-27. She is also a captain on the ¶¶Òõ̽̽App women's soccer team.
Contest win sets up South Korea opportunity
Anna Shelley's win in the Southeastern U.S. Korean Speech Contest earned her a full-tuition scholarship and dormitory support to attend the Dankook University International Summer School.
Ellis becomes pro bodybuilder
Tough times taught Sierra Ellis determination, dedication and fortitude. They also gave her the strength to earn her pro card as a professional bodybuilder.