IN MIDDLE SCHOOL! FULL POTENTIAL IGNITES MENTORSHIP

Scout Company Awarded Honor Company

Scout Company, home to most middle school cadets, was awarded Honor Company in January for their outstanding achievement during the fall semester. Honor Company is awarded each semester to the company that earns the most weekly citations through Academic Achievement (highest company GPA), In Ranks Inspection, Pass In Reviews, President’s Inspection, Laundry Calls, and the Commandant’s Citation (winner of the weekly barracks inspection).

The basic skills learned through inspections help cadets become disciplined young men. Eighth-grader Isaiah Simpson is grateful for the structure this process has provided. He said, “I’ve become more mature. Before I came to Riverside, I wasn’t very neat and tidy and didn’t always listen to my parents, but Riverside helped change my way of thinking and gave me the structure I needed.” Cadets like Simpson continue to thrive and prove that the rewards really are as great as the challenge.

Leadership As A Result Of Mentorship

Their success is a result of not only Scout Company discipline and diligence but also excellent leadership through mentorship. The Scout Company commander leads these younger cadets by training them in the basics of cadet life and being a positive role model.

Diego Jusino, a 10th grader and Platoon Leader in Scout Company, said, “At the start of the year we had some middle school cadets who were unmotivated, but now I see them progressing and wanting to rise in rank and earn awards. Our leadership helps motivate them to do better.” This type of mentorship establishes mutual accountability and cultivates friendships that last a lifetime.

Leaders influence other leaders like 1SG Caleb Baker who said,

Eighth Grade Starting Jrotc

The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. Starting in January 2023, Riverside added eighth graders to the JROTC program after the U.S. Army JROTC began allowing eighth-grade participation last fall. According to Riverside Prep Senior Army Instructor, COL(R) David Lee, “Adding eighth graders to our program allows them to learn from the JROTC curriculum and participate in any of our three sports, including Raiders, riflery, and drill.”

Through the addition of eighth-grade JROTC, students like Steven Meneses gain hands-on character development that prepares middle schoolers for the transition into high school. Meneses said that during his time in JROTC, he has learned different leadership styles and how to adapt and remain flexible when leading, saying, this means giving it your all every day.”

Leaders recognize their job is to prepare the next generation of cadets to fill their own shoes as they progress in their time at Riverside.

Leadership

The Battalion Commander has many responsibilities including commanding the corps of cadets at all formations and maintaining a direct and personal relationship with the staff and the company commanders. Colin Tortorelli, a senior at Riverside Prep, has filled this role with humility and an aim to increase unity among the corps of cadets. Through the mentorship he receives at Riverside, Tortorelli has risen in rank during his three years at the Academy and thrived, in turn, as a positive role model for cadets.

According to Tortorelli, effective leadership starts with a healthy understanding of mentorship. “No matter your rank, servant leadership is essential to maintain,” he explains. “Mentorship is the foundation of why the cadets are so close to one another. We teach each other how to live.” These mentor/mentee relationships have helped Tortorelli to grow in discipline and accountability as he prepares his subordinates to lead others well.

In addition to servant leadership and mentorship, Tortorelli has also learned the value of being proactive as a student and cadet. “Serving as Battalion Commander has taught me how to take initiative based on the foundation of leadership that I developed in my first two years at Riverside.” Tortorelli started his position with high hopes of accomplishing many things but narrowed his focus to the organization of operating procedures including uniform standardization.

The role is not an easy one, but Tortorelli gives credit to fellow cadet leaders Kolaiah Newkirk and Khaidan Piedmonte for keeping him grounded and helping him manage his many responsibilities. Adult leaders like LTC(R) Scott Basso, Director of Operations, and Mr. Joseph Murray, (Yearbook Advisor and English Teacher), have made a positive impact on his own leadership methods. He said, “They display professionalism in every conversation and interaction. I try to apply that same professionalism in my leadership.”

Tortorelli recently received a four-year Navy ROTC Marine Option Scholarship and plans to attend the Virginia Military Institute and later join the U.S. Marine Corps to become an aviator.