Grade: 12th
School: Mays High School
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Odyssey Wilson is a senior at Benjamin E. Mays High School- Math and Science Academy. Odyssey is an active member of the JROTC, and she is currently ranked as a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel.
Cadet Odyssey Wilson was recently recognized for winning the national Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award for Achievement.
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The Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award for Achievement is the highest award a JROTC cadet can earn on merit. The award is presented annually to the top JROTC cadets across the nation that have demonstrated exemplary leadership while performing duties as a cadet and in other scholastic, community and academic endeavors.
Cadets are nominated during their junior year by the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and principal of the school only after it has been determined that the stringent qualifications required to receive the award have been met. Recommendations are forwarded to the Legion of Valor Board, which employs rigid standards and a thorough screening process to select the few winning cadets. Of the 300,000 high school students enrolled in Army JROTC across the nation, only 26 Army JROTC cadets nationwide were approved for the award this year. Cadet Wilson is highly qualified for this award as she is an outstanding example of a top scholar and leader within her school and community.
The Atlanta Board of Education recently held a special presentation for Odyssey and the two other APS Legion of Valor recipients, Lam Dang from Maynard Jackson High School and Elonte’ Porter from Carver Early College, at October’s board meeting.
Odyssey credits the JROTC program for providing her with valuable leadership skills.
“The JROTC program has taught me how to not just be a leader, but an effective leader”, she said. “I’ve learned the importance of working with others and being able to get the job done.”
Odyssey is inspired by her grandfather who also served in the military. Odyssey’s grandfather was a Sergeant First Class in the Army, and he was involved in combat during the Vietnam War. Odyssey also credits her JROTC instructor, United States Army Major Larry Sparks, for pushing her to excel and work hard.
“I know that in order for me to get what I really want I have to be fully dedicated and work hard at all times,” she explains.
Odyssey is very active in school activities. She is the captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad and the activities coordinator for the Student Government Association.
After high school, Odyssey plans to attend the University of Georgia, but the life lessons and knowledge she has acquired throughout her matriculation at Mays High School will remain with her forever.
“By attending Mays High School I’ve been given opportunities that most people won’t get,” Odyssey said. “This school has helped me develop into a well-rounded individual and has even enhanced the quality of my life.”