Callaway High JROTC Leader Earns District’s Top Cadet Honor

Mar 2 2026

Cadet Brigade Sergeant Major Jeremiah Rufus of Callaway High School has been named the JPS District Cadet of the Year. He is the son of Loretta Rufus.

A standout leader and scholar, Cadet Rufus maintains a 4.0 GPA while setting the standard for excellence across the battalion. He is an active member of the Drill Team, demonstrating discipline, precision, and a strong commitment to teamwork in both practice and competition.

Academically, Cadet Rufus excels while carrying an exceptionally rigorous course load that includes seven Advanced Placement courses, with two courses taken through Howard University. His willingness to challenge himself at the collegiate level while still in high school reflects his ambition, maturity, and dedication to excellence. Known for his focus and strong work ethic, C/BDE SGM Rufus represents the very best of Callaway High School JROTC and is highly deserving of this distinguished recognition.

He was selected during an awards ceremony held in February 19 at the Mississippi eCenter, led by JROTC Director Col. Fredrick Brown and Assistant Superintendent of High Schools Laketia Marshall Thomas.

The Cadet of the Year program recognizes outstanding 11th-grade JROTC cadets from each of the district’s six high schools, inspiring excellence in both leadership and academics. These cadets then advance to compete at the district level for the title of JPS Overall Most Outstanding Cadet.

The JROTC Cadets of the Year representing other JPS high schools are:

C/LTC Shamara Camper, Lanier Junior Senior High School
C/LTC Victoria Calvin, Murrah High School
C/LTC Khalyse Johnson, Forest Hill High School
C/MAJ Jon’Travis Alston, Jim Hill High School
C/LTC Kaitlynn Bingham, Provine High School