Cadet Mjr. Azariah J. Pierce, a student in Tara High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, was named this year’s LET 4 (Leadership and Education and Training) Cadet of the Year Board winner for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.  According to Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Hyver of the district-wide JROTC program, Pierce has demonstrated exemplary leadership in his performance as the executive officer.  He also is a member of the BETA Club and National Honors Society. 

The LET 4 Board event was held recently at Woodlawn High School.  Area JROTC instructors serve on LET boards.  Competing cadets are judged by the boards in the areas of JROTC curriculum knowledge, their cumulative grade point average, cadet resume' and appearance and military bearing. 

Cadets from the district’s area high school JROTC programs competed for the LET 4 title.  Besides the winner, Pierce (right in photo), second place went Cadet Mjr. Elicia Glober of Scotlandville Magnet High School and third place went to Cadet Mjr. Mercedes McNaulty of Istrouma High School.

The Cadet of the Year Board includes four recognition events during the year, one for each of the four 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.