Woodland High School JROTC cadets stand with their wooden plaques on the board room steps alongside Principal Michael White, JROTC instructors, Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith, and Board Chair Phyllis Hughes.

Dorchester School District Four Board Meeting: Cadets Honored and Schools Off to a Strong Start

DD4 Communications

August 20, 2025

The Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, with a spotlight on student achievement, leadership, and a strong start to the new school year.

One of the evening’s proudest moments came as the Woodland High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) was recognized for its outstanding participation in the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC). This multi-day summer program is designed to build leadership skills, teamwork, confidence, and discipline through hands-on, adventure style training.

At JCLC, cadets take on leadership roles, work through team missions, and participate in challenges such as rappelling, land navigation, and obstacle courses. The camp also brings students from different schools together, encouraging camaraderie, shared experiences, and lifelong friendships.

The board room was filled with family members, friends, and community supporters who came out to celebrate the cadets’ accomplishments. The leadership of Woodland High School’s JROTC instructors, MAJ (R) John Logan, Jr., M.Ed. and SFC (R) Kevin Simpson, was also recognized for the impact they continue to make in guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

A large group of Woodland High School JROTC cadets in camouflage uniforms pose on steps inside the board room, each proudly holding a wooden plaque of recognition.

The following Woodland High School cadets were honored for their dedication and participation:

  • Cadet Captain Zy'neria Green

  • Cadet Sergeant First Class Jenarah Adkinson

  • Cadet Sergeant Carmen Allen

  • Cadet Sergeant First Class Amauri Berry

  • Cadet Sergeant Matthew Bowen

  • Cadet Sergeant First Class Cheyenne Clark

  • Cadet Sergeant Ja’Lina Goodwin

  • Cadet Sergeant First Class Noah Green

  • Cadet Sergeant Sh’Mya James

  • Cadet Sergeant Brianna Jenkins

  • Cadet Sergeant Arianna Jones

  • Cadet Sergeant Angel Lucario

  • Cadet Sergeant Alexxis Martino

  • Cadet Sergeant Starr Mosley

  • Cadet Staff Sergeant Brazil Nelson

  • Cadet Sergeant Jackson Rast

  • Cadet Sergeant Melaysia Rhodes

  • Cadet Sergeant Inara Shelby

  • Cadet Staff Sergeant Virginia Spearin

  • Cadet Sergeant Tyler Wright

  • Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Janelle Footman

  • Cadet Operations Sergeant Major Taylor Fogle

  • Cadet Command Sergeant Major Jakari Colonel

  • Cadet Major Ayden Truman

  • Company Commander Cadet Major Mercedes Breeland

  • Honor Cadet/Top Cadet 1SG Aliyah Carso

    Close-up of a wooden recognition plaque awarded to Cadet Sergeant Jalina Goodwin, engraved with the Woodland High School JROTC insignia and recognition for participating in the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge in June 2025.

Following the recognition of the JROTC program, principals/counselors from each school shared updates on the start of the new year. Their reports highlighted enrollment numbers, exciting new programs, and the school-wide themes chosen for 2025–2026.

Alisa Lemon, Clay Hill Elementary Principal woman in a white patterned blouse smiles as she speaks at a podium during the board meeting.Ruth Mims, Williams Memorial Elementary Principal A woman in a floral blouse stands at a podium, speaking with her hands clasped during the board meeting.Jeremy Wolfgang, Harleyville Elementary Principal. A man in a light blue shirt and navy slacks speaks at a podium with a microphone, addressing the board with a hand gesture.Benji Kennedy, Woodland A man in a navy Woodland Wolves polo shirt gestures with his hands while speaking at a podium during the meeting. Middle School Principal Michael White, Woodland A man in a blue suit and patterned tie speaks at a podium with a microphone, smiling while addressing the board.High School Principal Tamara Boyd, Odyssey Educational Center Counselor. A woman wearing a green Odyssey Owls polo shirt and glasses speaks at a podium with a microphone during the board meeting.

Elementary and middle school leaders noted strong student engagement, a renewed focus on literacy and math growth, and efforts to increase family involvement. Woodland High School reported on new Dual Credit initiatives that will allow students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time, further preparing them for life after graduation. Odyssey Educational Center reported that students are settling in well and have begun focusing on career exploration as part of their learning experience.

The meeting closed with a sense of pride and optimism, reflecting Dorchester School District Four’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community spirit, values clearly demonstrated by the cadets, staff, and principals recognized during the evening.