SUFFOLK, Va. — Four thousand seven hundred food items: That is a result of a collection effort by the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Lakeland High School in Suffolk. It's the reason News 3 wanted to surprise them with an Everyday Hero award.
The students worked hard outside local grocery stores collecting food donations and getting the entire school behind this effort. Samari Keys is the student Deputy Commander for Lakeland's JROTC program and shares why she took part: "I think it's important for us to give back to our communities that really need it, and we're here to support. That's what we're about, supporting our communities and helping out in any way that we possibly can."
Fellow cadet Brayden Lucero agrees, "And I really like to think about it as... the community gives to us, so it's really nice to give back."
The food was packed up and delivered to the Suffolk Christian Fellowship Foodbank to help local families in need.
I asked retired Master Sergeant Trae Clark what the takeaway for his students is, to which he responded, "Always put people before yourself, and with everything going on, it's good to show love," he shared. "It's good to make sure that these cadets know and understand the importance of community at a young age."
And it seems like they do—just ask Lucas McDonough, another cadet with Lakeland's JROTC program: "I got to know my community. I got to know people better," McDonough said.
Fellow cadet Jenna Wade agrees, saying, "It's definitely teaching me and a whole bunch of others that giving back to the community to help people, like people in need—because not everyone's as fortunate, but giving back to the community helps a lot. And I think the last lesson is, just be kind."
Our chance to surprise them came on a day when the school was doing an award show for the cadets. We thought we would add one more honor, which is why we asked to take part in their awards program to present them with a News 3 Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
Retired Captain Sacha Fountain was honored and grateful, saying, "I just want to say thank you to everyone, the cadets. It can't be possible without them. So thank all my cadets and parents, thank you. It takes a village."
