FCS Cadets Recognized for Excellence at Cadet of the Year Board

 

Four Fulton County Schools cadets have earned top honors through this year’s Cadet of the Year board, distinguishing themselves through discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence that sets them apart among more than 2,100 cadets across 10 schools.

Representing schools across the district, honorees include Cadet Aliyah Ageel and Cadet Lauryn Worthy of Langston Hughes High School, Cadet Walter Flowers of Westlake High School, and Cadet Ja’Saun Ransom of Creekside High School. Each demonstrated exceptional performance across academic, physical, and leadership evaluations.

At Langston Hughes High School, the recognition of two cadets at this level reflects both individual achievement and a strong culture of leadership development.

Dr. Darrell L. Stephens, principal of Langston Hughes High School, described Cadets Aliyah Ageel and Lauryn Worthy’s impact. “Within our school, they model what it means to be responsible, dependable, and mission-focused, qualities that elevate the entire campus culture,” he said. “Their success sends a powerful message to our students that leadership is built on perseverance, accountability, and character, and reinforces our belief that when students are fully developed as scholars, citizens, and leaders, they are prepared not only for competition but also for life beyond our halls.”

Cadets Ageel and Worthy are known for their discipline, preparation, and attention to detail, consistently performing at a high level across academic, physical, and leadership assessments. They model integrity, teamwork, and service, earning the respect of their peers while contributing to a strong culture of excellence within their school community.

At Creekside High School, Cadet Ja’Saun Ransom’s recognition highlights the impact of student leadership at scale.

“Having a cadet recognized as Cadet of the Year at the county level is an extraordinary point of pride for our school,” said Dr. Terrell Awak, principal of Creekside High School. “This recognition affirms the strength of our JROTC program and highlights the caliber of leadership being developed among our students.”

Serving as Battalion Commander and overseeing more than 350 cadets, Ransom is recognized for his discipline, humility, and responsibility. He leads by example, maintains high standards while remaining approachable, and is known for being calm under pressure and intentional in his planning. His influence extends beyond JROTC and contributes positively to the broader school culture.

While each cadet’s path is unique, all were evaluated through a rigorous, multi-dimensional process designed to identify the most well-rounded student leaders.

According to Sgt. Todd Powers, the Cadet of the Year board assesses cadets across academics and JROTC knowledge, leadership and responsibility, uniform and appearance, presence and bearing, and citizenship and service, with high performance required in every category.

“This process measures not only what cadets know, but how effectively they apply that knowledge while maintaining composure and presence under pressure,” Powers said.

Through academic questioning and scenario-based leadership challenges, cadets must demonstrate not only knowledge, but the ability to lead, think critically, and perform in high-pressure environments.

The board’s comprehensive evaluation model reflects JROTC’s emphasis on developing well-rounded leaders.

“Academics build critical thinking while physical fitness develops discipline and resilience, and service reinforces character and civic responsibility,” Powers said. “Evaluating all three ensures cadets embody the whole-person standards required to truly become better citizens.”

For Fulton County Schools, these recognitions represent more than achievement. They reflect students who have demonstrated the discipline to meet high expectations, the resilience to perform under pressure, and the character to lead others.

The Cadet of the Year distinction stands as a benchmark of accountability and service, highlighting both the excellence of the cadets and the strength of the system that develops them. Through programs like JROTC, Fulton County Schools continues to provide structured, real-world opportunities for students to lead, adapt, and serve, preparing them not only for future professions, but for meaningful roles as leaders in their communities.