Glen Oaks High School JROTC cadets met retired Four-Star Gen. Colin Powell (center) at a recent business seminar. Cadets in the front row pictured from left to right are: Alexis Webb, Alicia Montgomery, Allison Jack, Torian Peabody, Taylor Wardlaw and Christy Barton.

Glen Oaks High School students were excited to meet Ret. Army Gen. Colin Powell (pictured, center, with cadets) recently at a business seminar.  The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets met the former U.S. secretary of state during the “Get Motivated” Business Seminar held at the Baton Rouge River Center.
"JROTC incites cadets to take action, to make a difference and enthusiastically get off of the track," said 1st Sgt. Michael Gibson, one of three JROTC instructors at Glen Oaks High, at the event.  The JROTC instructors seized the opportunity to expose cadets to this spectacular and energetic seminar that reiterated JROTC classroom instructions on time management, leadership, goal achievement, negotiation, motivation and communication skills.  

Powell, Steve Forbes, Rudy Giuliani, Krish Dhanam and Louisiana State University Coach Les Miles were among the motivational and inspiring speakers at the seminar.   Although the speakers offered their own presentation style, a central theme resounded throughout the day.  The take-home message for Glen Oaks cadets was that with hard work, determination, perseverance and integrity, success is boundless.   After attending the seminar, Cadet Priv. 1st Class Arnesia Cador, a sophomore, said she learned “to stay in school, graduate and make my OWN money."