16-year-old's work with JROTC, other groups prepares her for medical career

She’s the youngest student who will graduate from Smith-Cotton High School in 2011, but Caitlyn Craig hasn’t let that hold her back from dreaming big.

Caitlyn, 16, is applying to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where she plans to pursue a career in pediatric oncology. Caitlyn said she chose the school because of its great medical training offerings and research opportunities. And she chose children’s cancer because she loves helping people.

“Cancer is a horrible disease,” she said. “I will enjoy trying to put a smile on (patients’) faces.”

Caitlyn said she has learned the importance of helping people by helping at the student-run Community Cafe, where she is serving as co-director.

She also serves as liaison for the National Honor Society, treasurer for student council and co-captain for the envirothon team in science club. She runs track, holds a position in the top 25 of her class and maintains the “A” honor roll.

“Grades are extremely important to me,” Caitlyn said, “but I want to be well-rounded.”

Caitlyn rounds out her school activities by participating in Smith-Cotton’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, which she joined her freshman year.

“I joined JROTC because my brother was in the program,” she said. “It became a competition.”

Although it started with good-natured sibling rivalry, JROTC soon became a passion for Caitlyn. She participated with the group’s academic team and has risen to become the executive officer, which is second in command.

“JROTC has taught me leadership,” she said.

Caitlyn was selected as a junior to represent Smith-Cotton in the Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding JROTC cadet competition.

The competition required Caitlyn to fill out an extensive application, including community involvement, volunteer hours, grade point average and ACT scores. She also was asked to write an essay on “how JROTC prepares you to be a better citizen.” Caitlyn said the essay was easy to write “because that’s what JROTC is all about.”

Caitlyn won a $25 scholarship for being selected at the chapter level. She went on to win at the state level where she received a $500 scholarship. As a result of her winning at the state level, Caitlyn was given the opportunity to compete against all other top JROTC cadets from each of the 50 states.

Caitlyn walked away with a win at the national level as well and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

“It was a tough competition,” she said. “Only five points divided the winners.”

Lt. Col. Harry Cunningham, senior army instructor for the Smith-Cotton High School JROTC program, said this is the first time in the history of the award a cadet from Missouri has won the honor.

Cunningham said criteria evaluated for the award are class standing and academic performance, leadership and organizational positions within the JROTC program, academic and JROTC extracurricular activities and leadership positions, non-academic and non-JROTC extracurricular activities and leadership positions.

Caitlyn, who describes herself as outgoing and fun, said she gets her drive from her mother.

“My mom always pushed me to get involved,” she said. “Even when I didn’t want to she made me.”

While her mother has nudged her to join school clubs, Caitlyn said her older brother, Tim, has been a great motivator.

“He is a good encourager,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing him succeed by joining the Army.”

Although Caitlyn is looking forward to her senior year, her focus is primarily on graduating and achieving her goals.

“I’m ready to start life,” she said.

Class acts
Each Monday, the Democrat will tell the story of a student in the area who performs exceptionally well, in and out of the classroom. If you know a student, in kindergarten through college, who has made a difference or does something unique, let us know about it. E-mail your suggestion to tfennell@sedaliademocrat.com or awalther@sedaliademocrat.com or call 660-826-1000, ext. 211.