Buena Vista High students snap to attention as Jennifer Lemus, senior, stands at the front of the room. As the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) battalion commander, her job is to set the tone and lead her fellow cadets.

“Everything good that’s done in the program reflects on them. Every failure reflects on me,” said Lemus. “Good communication is important so that we’re all on the same page and know what needs to get done and how.”

Lemus recently made Buena Vista High history, becoming the first student there to receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement.

“What this says about Omaha Public Schools is that we value our students and push them to give it their all,” said Lemus. “I feel like I’m leaving a part of me here, and maybe in the future my siblings will attend this school and see my name on the wall.”

Lemus is one of six honorees from Omaha Public Schools this year and only 27 nationwide to receive the most prestigious medal given to JROTC members. The Bronze Cross for Achievement recognizes cadets who demonstrate excellence in military, scholastic and civic affairs.

At Central High, senior Drew Holdt says he was at a loss for words when he learned about his achievement.

“It made me feel so proud of myself, and it shows that I can accomplish things I didn’t know were possible,” said Holdt. “Being next to other recipients feels amazing, knowing that each one of us had to put a lot of effort into making our packets to receive the Legion of Valor.”

At Burke High, two seniors received the honor. Jenna Crippen and Michael Steinhoff credit the JROTC program with shaping who they are today.

“It’s been a great experience because I’ve figured out who I really am and what my leadership style is,” said Crippen. “This is my hometown, and the fact that all six of us got this only leaves 21 others for the entire nation.”

Steinhoff says the organization guided his future.

“I’ve met amazing people who will provide opportunities after high school, like college and careers,” he said. “I would like to go to a four-year college, and once I’m done, join the Air Force. Being in JROTC played a big part in that.”

Sydney Sainovich from Benson High and Jamie Jordan from Westview High also received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement.

At a recent school board meeting, Jordan shared her plans to attend nursing school and serve in the healthcare industry. 

“With the career path that I chose, trauma nursing, JROTC has not only taught me communication that will take me far beyond my career, but teamwork, leadership and how to stand out,” said Jordan.

Sainovich says she has felt support every step of the way in her high school journey.

“My principal is the biggest advocate for everything JROTC,” said Sainovich. “I would not be here without the staff, colonel, my family and everybody that supported me along the way.”

Together, these six honorees represent leadership and excellence in the Omaha Public Schools.