FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clovis High School JROTC Cadets Earn Top Honors at Summer Leadership Camps
CLOVIS, NM — Clovis High School Air Force JROTC cadets recently demonstrated exceptional leadership, fitness, and military skills while attending Summer Leadership Camps at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.
Clovis High School cadets participated in two intensive leadership programs designed to prepare students for future leadership roles and enhance their military knowledge and skills. Six cadets attended the Cadet Staff Leadership Course (CSLC), where they trained for senior leadership responsibilities within the JROTC program during the upcoming school year. Eight cadets attended the Joint Cadet Leadership Course (JCLC), focusing on leadership development, teamwork, physical fitness, and military skills.
In addition, two Clovis cadets served on the camp staff alongside Air Force JROTC instructors Lt. Col. Les Ball and SMSgt Mike Kilcullen, helping support the successful operation of the camps.
Clovis High School cadets earned significant recognition among the 577 students who attended the leadership programs. Four cadets were named Distinguished Graduates, an honor awarded to the top 10 percent of campers. Those cadets were Gabe Roth, Kelsey Matekaitis, Landon Ochoa, and Christian Ochoa.
Clovis cadets also earned the Top Male Athlete distinction at both camps. Viktor Kowalski received the honor at the Cadet Staff Leadership Course, while Landon Ochoa earned top athletic honors at the Joint Cadet Leadership Course.
The summer leadership camps capped off an outstanding year for the Clovis High School Air Force JROTC program. During the 2025-2026 school year, the unit earned the Distinguished Unit with Merit Award, the highest honor presented by Headquarters Air Force JROTC.
The award recognizes programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in leadership development, community service, academic achievement, and citizenship while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.