WLGOS

Cadets and staff went to Patriots Point Park in Charleston on Wednesday, February 03.It was a great trip. The sun was bright and warm to counter the cool breeze that was blowing. We enjoyed exploring the aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown,

the submarine, the USS Clamagore, and the Viet Nam Support Base.  

It was also fun to hit the snack bar.

Four cameras were distributed to certain cadets and they took the pictures. Well done to our camera people. They truly caught the day and the park. We are proud that they took such great pictures AND had fun with it.

We also want to thank Mr. Griffey and our dining staff for serving us a fine meal... not a sandwich... but a meal. Thanks.

No video for this trip, BUT pleanty of pictures in Picasa.

Go to PatriotsPointpark for more information about the park.

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The Red Cross came to Wil Lou Gray on Friday, January 08 for a blood drive. We are proud that 45 people, cadets and adults, signed up to give.

Ms. Lorick reports that" 

Our goal was 28 pints of blood.  We had 39 students and 3 staff sign in today for the Blood Drive.  We got 27 pints of Blood!!  Yay!!  We missed our goal by 1 pint.  Regardless, we had a great time and I am thankful for all of the students and staff who helped.  Mr. Griffey’s lunch was greatly appreciated by the Red Cross employees! "

Students were allowed to give with parental permission slip or were of legal age. Our campus is proud to give to the community in this manner. We encourage you to give or volunteer if able. Please go to Red Cross by Community to learn about the Red Cross in your area.

reported by Cadets James and Kelly

On Sunday, December 13th, First Platoon was visited by a guest speaker, Ms. Tamika Shuler. She spoke to us from her point of view as a young woman, remindimg us that it is not always the outside appearance that matters. It is our personality that reflects our outer beauty.

She had each of us make a list of three positive, uplifting comments about another female cadet. This act increased our self-confidence and awareness. We also learned several techniques to help others feel better about themselves. An example is motivating them with compliments and being a good friend.

She also noted that judging another and talking behind another person's back can lower one's self esteem. All in all, her presentation was very memorable and appreciated.

First Platoon would like to give a big special THANK_YOU to Ms. Tamika Shuler for all her words of encouragement and the motivation to become a better person, as well as a better friend.

We also thank our Sgts in first platoon for setting this up. Y'all rock.

(pictures are on Picassa)

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Did they ever have a good time or what? Friday, December 11, some cadets were introduced to paintball. A course and objective had been set up on the baseball field. Cadets were instructed about safety and the rules of the game. DID THEY EVER HAVE A GOOD TIME OR WHAT!!!!!!

Pictures are on Picasa and a video is in capzles.

Sgt. Winkler took a small group of cadets to the Ft. Jackson Computerized firing range. In 2000, Fort Jackson began to use M 16s  that fire lazers instead of live rounds. This new computer program provides a innovative and money saving technique for introducing the M 16 to soldiers before they go to the live round firing range.This saves MUCH money. Different scenarios for practice are on the computer for engagement.

 Our Cadets enjoyed the experience and thank the Cadre for taking them.

(pictures and video are available in picasa and capzles)

Our Cadets marched in two parades during the week-end of December 04-06. They marched on Saturday afternoon in the South Congaree Christmas Parade in the afternoon. Our people were great and it was a good experience.

 Sunday night, December 06, we again marched, but this time in the West Metro Parade of Lights. It is the only one of it's kind in the nation. Floats, bands, cars with politicians, JROTC units all march with lights. Our cadets carried an American flag that was lit in the red, white, and blue.

The Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School JROTC received the AWARD of the BEST JROTC unit in the parade.

Sgt. Berry took a group of cadets to Finley Park in Columbia to assist Saving Cafe, a volunteer program of Biker Ministries, in providing a meal to the homeless. Unfortunately, the they were unable to come that morning at the last minute. The people were there as always looking for a meal. Our guys offered their lunches on their own... no one asked them to do this...they shared a kindness to a stranger. .

Check back with us.

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Different churches from the community come to Wil Lou Gray and provide a Sunday service for Cadets who choose to attend.

On Sunday, Novemebr 22, Shekinah Glory Youth Ministries, under the direction of Minister Haper,  presented a fabulous program of worship. The youth told a story of strength and faith through a dramatic interpretation. 

It was a morning of

song and

praise and

faith.

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JROTC Drill Teams and Color Guard often practice after school

>>AND THE THERE IS ALSO>>>

More to come!!!!!!! video tooo.