Local Salvation Army corps cadets earn high honors
EAST JACKSON, Tenn.– The local Salvation Army held its spring youth service Sunday morning.
Besides hearing a sermon, a few corps cadets left with high honors to hang in their rooms.
“They’ve helped to pick up trash along side of the road, they’ve done all kids of things to be vital members of the community,” Corps Officer Major Jayne May said.
Sunday morning the Jackson Salvation Army held its spring youth Sunday service. Although the kids ran the service, adults took over to honor their corps cadets in front of the congregation.
“We have the highest number of high award winners in not just state of Tennessee, not just for our division of Kentucky and Tennessee but for the southeastern United States,” May said.
Three young ladies received their Commissioner Sunbeam award, which is the highest award for their age group. The girls said earning the award is exciting.
“Cause this is my first time winning an award like this and I never had one before, ” Commissioner Sunbeam award winner Shacora Ellison said.
Three young men earned their national commander awards. One of the highest honors a male cadet can earn.
“I’m glad I got the national commanders award because its something big,” award winner William Brewster said. “Scholarship money I can put towards college.”
This semester 13 corps cadets have earned high awards. Five girls weren’t able to get their awards because their medals haven’t arrived from London, but they are still proud for their fellow cadets.
“It would have been great if I was up there,” girl guard Kelley Torres said.”These kids really deserve the award that they got today.”
Even though the Salvation Army is known best for its red kettles during the holidays, leaders say their primary function is teach others about God and help kids find joy in serving the community.
“We try to weave God into every one of these emblems,” Major May said. “We want the children to learn about creation and the world around them and how they can be productive in their community because this is what God calls us to do.”
If you want to learn more about the Salvation Army Corps Cadets or get involved, every Tuesday in June they will have youth program registration from 3 to 5-pm at the building on 125 Allen Ave.
