(Story provided by Allen Frost, Creekview High School Naval Science Instructor)

Seven Creekview High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets represented Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD at the 2026 North Texas Basic Leadership Training and Leadership Academy held at Tarleton State University.

The weeklong leadership development program brought together approximately 170 cadets from more than 20 schools across Texas and neighboring states. Throughout the week, cadets participated in leadership instruction, public speaking, military drill, physical fitness events, inspections, team-building exercises, academic evaluations and leadership challenges designed to prepare them for future leadership positions within their home NJROTC units. Cadets were instructed and mentored by experienced NJROTC instructors who are retired military officers and senior enlisted leaders from across the region.

Leadership Academy graduates Cadet Alondra Antonio Cruz, a rising junior, and Cadet Angel Zelaya, a rising senior, completed the academy's advanced leadership curriculum. Upon graduation, both cadets earned the Silver Leadership Aiguillette, a distinction awarded to Leadership Academy graduates and worn on the NJROTC uniform as recognition of advanced leadership training and leadership potential. Graduates are expected to apply these skills in leadership positions within their home NJROTC units.

A highlight of the graduation ceremony came when Zelaya was selected to deliver the final cadet address on behalf of the graduating class. Zelaya represented approximately 170 cadets as he addressed fellow cadets, instructors, family members, and guests during the ceremony.

Basic leadership training graduates included Cadet Morgan Jenkins and Cadet Jalen Rowe, rising sophomores, and Cadet Hallan Matamoros, a rising junior. Throughout the week, the cadets participated in military drill instruction, physical fitness assessments, leadership classes, inspections, and a camp-wide drill competition that tested the skills they developed during the program.

Creekview was also represented by Graduate Assistant Cadets Tristyn Trujillo, a rising senior and the Creekview NJROTC commanding officer, and Jacob Rebone-Garcia, a rising junior and the unit's executive officer. Both cadets, previous basic leadership training and Leadership Academy graduates, were selected to return as members of the camp staff based on their leadership experience and performance within the program. During the week, they assisted instructors in training, mentoring, supervising, and supporting younger cadets from across the region.

The North Texas Leadership Academy serves as one of the premier leadership development opportunities available to NJROTC cadets in the region. Participation is voluntary and takes place during summer break. The Leadership Academy is specifically designed to prepare cadets for increased leadership responsibilities within their home units, while basic leadership training introduces younger cadets to the leadership, teamwork, and discipline expected of future student leaders.

"Our cadets chose to spend part of their summer investing in themselves and their future as leaders," said Chief Warrant Officer Allen Frost, Creekview High School senior naval science instructor. "They were challenged physically, mentally and academically throughout the week while training alongside outstanding students from across the region. I am proud of the professionalism, resilience, and leadership they demonstrated, and I look forward to seeing them apply those lessons as leaders within our unit and school community."

Creekview High School's NJROTC program is a Career and Technical Education pathway that develops leadership, citizenship, service, and career readiness skills. The accomplishments of these students reflect the opportunities available through the program and the commitment these cadets have made to developing themselves as future leaders.

Congratulations to the following graduates:

Leadership Academy graduates

• Cadet Alondra Antonio Cruz (rising junior)
• Cadet Angel Zelaya (rising senior)

Basic leadership training graduates

• Cadet Morgan Jenkins (rising sophomore)
• Cadet Hallan Matamoros (rising junior)
• Cadet Jalen Rowe (rising sophomore)

Graduate assistants

• Cadet Tristyn Trujillo (rising senior, commanding officer)
• Cadet Jacob Rebone-Garcia (rising junior, executive officer)