Whether it be for Key Club, DECA, cheer, or soccer, those in leadership positions show those how to lead and succeed, so when they have to leave high school, the next generation is ready to take up the torch and guide the school’s future. JROTC is one of many great leadership programs, and the next generation is about to take up this torch and lead the new future of JROTC cadets.
With Colonel Joe Calisto retiring this year, new instructor Chief Travis Gause is stepping into a leadership role here, begging the questions: How will Gause do in his new position? Who is going to be in charge next year? And more importantly, how will this affect JROTC and WBHS?
The new head instructor of JROTC next year Gause is excited to work at WBHS, as he has been a former JROTC instructor at Saint Pauls High School, working alongside other high schoolers, honing his craft, and working to be a better leader.
“I’m very excited,” said Gause. “I feel blessed for the opportunity. When I first got into the JROTC program, I had no clue, but I was blessed enough to do competitions alongside West Brunswick. I grew up here, moved to Fayetteville when I was young, and never got a chance to attend West Brunswick, so now I’m here as a Trojan.”
He’s very excited to finally be here at West Brunswick High School to attend and lead a future generation.
“I think it’ll have a positive impact on JROTC,” said Senior and JROTC Batallion Commander, Brayden Griffith “As much as we loved our two previous instructors, it’s nice to have a new, younger instructor here that brings in some new knowledge, a wealth of knowledge that he personally has.
So our leadership clearly thinks he is qualified and prepared for this new leadership position at WBHS, but with meeting new people and having a new set of responsibilities, a lot of stress can come with this role.
“Just to build the program,” said Gause, “go back to the fundamentals, the foundations of basic Army principles. It’s not all about the Army; it’s about the curriculum as well. It’s about learning things, becoming a better citizen, and learning about life in general. I want to create more of a family atmosphere.”
Gause seems prepared and ready to take on next school year. So we’re feeling really grateful that he’s ready to take on this new challenge at WBHS.
“I feel blessed and honored to be here,” said Gause. “I don’t feel like this is a job; I feel like this is my purpose. Whatever God’s plan is for me, for this school, and for this program, I look forward to it. I’m going to do what I can to provide the best I can. As long as everybody here is the best version of themselves when they leave high school, I’ve done what I came here to do.”
