Satsuma High School JROTC prepares to lead Mardi Gras parades

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - The Satsuma High School JROTC unit is preparing to lead two Mardi Gras parades as the carnival season returns to the Port City in two weeks.

Four cadets from the 65-cadet program will march in the Lashe’s and Mystic Stripers parades, representing their biggest audience yet after participating in Veterans Day and Christmas parades.

“It’s about students learning to be better leaders and be better dedicated to what they do,” said Noah Boyington, cadet lieutenant colonel and Satsuma High School senior.

The cadets practice marching drills daily in their JROTC class, working on alignment and synchronization for the 5 to 6-mile parade routes.

“Preparation is going to our JROTC class, practicing every day, practicing with your fellow cadets getting better every day,” said Seth Adams, first lieutenant and Satsuma High School sophomore.

Dr. Sherman Winston, senior Army instructor for Satsuma’s JROTC program and retired military, oversees the training. He said the challenge is maintaining military standards while remembering the participants are students.

“It’s challenging at times — you have to remember they’re not soldiers, they’re not in the military — they’re students,” Winston said. “So, the challenging part is to try and get them to think to have discipline and structure and standards — and realizing they’re students and not service members.”

Boyington plans to join the National Guard as he begins his college career. He said JROTC participation provides advantages for military service.

“The JROTC, whenever you go into the military — you can start a few ranks higher,” Boyington said. “As the National Guard — you start off at a higher rank and better pay.”

Winston emphasized proper flag protocol during the parades.

“I think they are doing good, they are staying in alignment. They are staying in step. But the most important part is making sure the National Flag does not dip,” Winston said. “The National Flag does not dip at all.”

Boyington said outside guidance helps cadets improve their performance during practice sessions.

“Sometimes whenever you are marching — you can’t tell the mistakes that you are making — you’re more focused on the moment,” Boyington said. “So, whenever you have someone helping you out — it helps guide you.”