Cycle 18 Cadets of the Week

Week 3
Cadet of the Week:  Graciela Palacios

The Cadet of the Week for Week 3 is Graciela Palacios. She is a 16 year old Cadet from Lansing, who has been recognized by the Staff for her efforts during Pre-Challenge and the first week of Residential Phase. She pays attention, learns quickly, and always gives her best effort. Her attention to detail and leadership by example sets the tone for her platoon.

Week 4
Cadet of the Week:  Sintinio Pennaman

The Cadet of the Week for Week 4 is Sintinio Pennaman, a 16 year old Cadet from Detroit. This team player goes above and beyond the standards and ensures his fellow Cadets get help when needed. He has already held a Squad Leader position and has received a positive incident report citing his performance.

Week 5
Cadet of the Week:  Marquis Montgomery

The Cadet of the Week for Week 5 is Marquis Montgomery, age 17, from Detroit. This Cadet serves on the Academy Color Guard and is currently the 2nd Platoon Sergeant. On the surface, he stands out for his leadership; but what makes him effective is his tact when dealing with peers. Cadre credit him with patience and perseverence.

Week 6
Cadet of the Week:  Justin Thomas

The Cadet of the Week for Week 6 is Justin Thomas, 17 years old, from Bloomfield Hills, MI. This Cadet was a Squad Leader, and was the first Cadet in 2nd Platoon to utilize small unit leadership. By working with his squad and ensuring their assigned tasks were complete, he earned their confidence in his role as Squad Leader. He also ensured his Cadets followed the chain of command, supervised barracks cleaning to guarantee proper standards, and promptly passed orders from the Platoon Sergeant – increasing the efficiency of the chain of command. His 3.77 GPA highlights his efforts to lead by example and to help his squad and platoon.

Week 7
Cadet of the Week:  Nicholas Newton

The Cadet of the Week for Week 7 is 16 year old Nicholas Newton from Sand Lake, MI. This Cadet is the Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Platoon and his ability to delegate duties and supervise training events sets him apart from his peers. This Cadet is a high performer on the Physical Fitness Test, scoring 451/500. He currently holds a 4.00 GPA and is placed at Cedar Valley Packing, where he will be employed upon graduation.

Week 8
Cadet of the Week:  Jacob Saad

The Cadet of the Week for Week 8 is Jacob Saad, 16 years old, from Garden City, MI. Cadet Saad is a Cadet who holds his platoon and the needs of others above his own. He is always on task and accepts feed back from all of his Staff and applies it to the best of his abilities. This Cadet holds a 3.93 GPA and helps tutor fellow Cadets in their school work. Cadet Saad has two positive incident reports (motivating others around him and training to the standards of the MYCA without complaint; and one for academic excellence). Cadet Saad is currently a Weight Training Team member and an Academy Ambassador. His role as a leader behind the scenes truly sets the example for his peers to follow.

Week 9
Cadet of the Week:  Joseph Laidlaw

The Cadet of the Week for Week 9 is 17 year old Joseph Laidlaw, from Tawas City, MI. This Cadet has proven to be a great asset to the morale and order of his platoon. This Cadet is an active member of the Run Team and is an Academy Ambassador. Cadet Laidlaw has also excelled in his academics, carrying a 4.0 average from the start of the cycle. His physical fitness scores continue to improve and currently are 481/500. This highly motivated Cadet is also among the 9 Cadets that have met the placement requirements from his platoon. Cadet Laidlaw has been a pleasure to work with and has really shown his potential to become a great leader among his peers.

Week 10
Cadet of the Week:  Cy Baldwin

The Cadet of the Week for Week 10 is 17 year old Cy Baldwin, from Battle Creek, MI.  Because of his selflessness, dedication, and attention to detail, he played a vital role in leading 1st Platoon in winning 2 of 3 inspections.  This Cadet is a member of the Academy Yearbook Staff and carries a 3.9 GPA.  He has yet to receive a negative incident report and is placed at M. Cobille Excavating, where he will be employed upon graduation.  Cadet Baldwin's character and infectious enthusiasm motivates his peers and helps generate positive attitudes.

Week 11
Cadet of the Week:  Brenda Lambert

The Cadet of the Week for Week 11 is Brenda Lambert, 19 years old, from Dundee, MI. This Cadet consistently goes above and beyond the expected standard in academics, physical fitness, and volunteer work. She has received (2) positive Incident Reports; one for high standards of barracks maintenance and one for quality of effort during the mile run. Cadet Lambert is a member of the Academy Library Committee and serves on the Student Council. She has held a Squad Leader position and also carries a 3.8 GPA. Her character, pride, and professionalism sets the example for her peers.

Week 12
Cadet of the Week: Nancy Roy 

The Cadet of the Week for Week 12 is Nancy Roy, 16 years old, from Pierson, MI. This Cadet consistently operates above the standard in academics and leadership. She has received (3) positive Incident Reports; all for voluntary preparation of the barracks for inspections. Cadet Roy is a member of the Yearbook Staff and is also an English tutor. She has held positions as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant and carries a 3.9 GPA. Her desire, determination, and diligence sets the example for her peers.

Week 13
Cadet of the Week:  Kristofer Kaufman

The Cadet of the Week for Week 13 is 16 year old Kristofer Kaufman from Canton, MI. Early on, Candidate Kaufman had been disrespectful to Staff, refused to train, and had run from the program. Currently, Cadet Kaufman is the Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Platoon. He is a Weight Training Team member, Yearbook Staff member, and an Academy Ambassador. He carries a 3.5 GPA and is placed at Waltonwood and Schoolcraft College. Cadet Kaufman has developed into a very respectful young man and is using every opportunity he can to make his life better.

Week 14
Cadet of the Week:  Krystal Mize

The Cadet of the Week for Week 14 is 16 year old Krystal Mize from Belleville, MI. Selected earlier as a Platoon Leader, Cadet Mize has received (3) Positive Incident Reports for setting the example. Currently, she is a Weight Training Team member, Yearbook Staff member, and an Academy Librarian. Her character and enthusiasm helps foster positive attitudes in 1st Platoon. She carries a 3.6 GPA, scored 441/500 on the last Fitness Test, and will work at Jourden's Automotive upon graduation.

Week 15
Cadet of the Week:  Jeremiah Jones

The Cadet of the Week for Week 15 is Jeremiah Jones from Canton, MI. This 17 year old carries a 3.8 GPA and is currently a Platoon Leader. Having earned (7) Positive Incident Reports for volunteerism and setting the example, he is also a Weight Training Team member. His selflessness and quiet professionalism inspire others and provide stability to the platoon. Cadet Jones continues to build on his 475/500 PFT and will be employed by Wendys upon graduation.

Week 16
Cadet of the Week: Diego Alvarado-Salinaz

The Cadet of the Week for Week 16 is Diego Alvarado-Salinaz from Lansing, MI. This 16 year old serves the community in a unique way – while at the MYCA he is a mentor to a local student at the Prairieview Elementary School. Cadet Alvarado-Salinaz is also working as the Academy Armorer, taking responsibility for the maintenance of the drill rifles. Having held positions as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant, he is also on the Academy Weight Training Team. His ability to motivate and guide others helped the 1st Platoon win 3 of 4 weekly inspections. Cadet Alvarado-Salinaz carries a 3.8 GPA and will be employed by Horrocks upon graduation.

Week 17
Cadet of the Week:  Kerina Nailor

The Cadet of the Week for Week 17 is Kerina Nailor of Ypsilanti, MI. This 17 year old has held billets as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant. She carries a 3.2 GPA, is an Academy Ambassador, and serves on the Student Council. Cadet Nailor has received (2) positive Incident Reports and continues to display a high level of enthusiasm, confidence, and military bearing. She will be employed by Kroger and has an internship with University of Michigan Health System upon graduation.

Week 18
Cadet of the Week:  Casey Ayres

The Cadet of the Week for Week 18 is 18 year old Casey Ayres of Lake Odessa, MI. This Cadet has held billets as a Squad Leader and Platoon Leader. He holds a 3.3 GPA and serves on the Yearbook Staff and Academy Run Team. Cadet Ayres has received (2) positive Incident Reports and was a key influence in the reformation of other Cadets; demonstrating admirable use of leadership and influence. He will be employed at Swedes Restaurant upon graduation.