Signal Mountain resident David Enicks recieves the Colonel Frederick Bowling Cadet of the Year Award from Mike Hammer, the commander of the American Legion Department of Tennessee.David Enicks is used to being the top dog.
The Signal Mountain resident was valedictorian of Red Bank High School’s Class of 2013, captain of the school’s track and cross-country teams, as well as the top cadet in its Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program every year of his high school career.
He recently received another feather in his cap – and accompanying cash in his hand. He is the recipient of the American Legion Department of Tennessee’s Colonel Frederick Bowling Cadet of the Year Award, which is accompanied by a $3,000 scholarship.
Enicks was selected for the honor out of 126 JROTC programs across the state.
“It’s a really big honor,” he said. “I’m really proud to say I have this award.”
Whether or not he had been nominated for the honor by his school’s senior Army instructor, which he was, Enicks just tried to be the best cadet he could be, he said.
“I try and always do my best to be an example to the others,” said Enicks.
He said JROTC has many benefits, such as teaching participants respect and responsibility.
“I can say for sure I wouldn’t be who I am without JROTC,” he added. “It really helps a teenager in high school with every aspect of their life and really helps them to mature.”
Enicks plans to enter Tennessee Tech in the fall and major in chemical engineering.