Cadet Lt. Col. Reshard Pearson of Tara High School won the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) winner of the Leadership and Education and Training (LET) IV Cadet of the Year Board Award this month. Pearson (pictured with Tara High’s JROTC instructor Master Sgt. Bobby Brown), Tara High School JROTC's Battalion commander, demonstrates the true essence of cadet leadership and character both in and out of JROTC, according to Lt. Col. Robert Hyver (Ret.), the school district’s JROTC head.

Pearson is the president of Student Government and Beta Club, a member of the I Care/Team Spirit 9th Grade mentor, treasurer of the Key Club and commander of both the school JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard.

The Cadet of the Year Board includes four recognition events during the year, one for each of the four Leadership and Education and Training (LET) levels, from a first-year cadet to a fourth-year cadet. Each School System high school’s JROTC team is encouraged to enter an outstanding cadet at each level. Participants receive a certificate and medal, and the Board determines the overall LET level winners who receive a plaque. The Board consists of five JROTC instructors. For more information, contact Hyver at (225) 354-4491.