Northwest High Senior Receives Prestigious JROTC Legion of Valor

November 1, 2021

Please note: This article was originally posted during a previous school year. Information and/or dates from past events
may be not be relevant for the current school year.

For Kaylee Coon, a senior at Northwest High School, above and beyond is just a typical day. Recently, Kaylee achieved one of the highest honors bestowed on a JROTC cadet, earning the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement.

In a typical year, only one of every 4,000 cadets is awarded this designation. Cadet Major Coon was one of the 65 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine JROTC Cadets out of over 500,000 nationwide to be nominated and receive the award in 2021.

As a student, her intrinsic motivation led her to a cumulative 4.0 GPA, all while taking Advanced Placement and Honors courses. During the atypical 2020-2021 school year, Kaylee’s work ethic and positive attitude brought her through the unexpected seasons of virtual remote learning. Her academic prowess enabled her to lead the NWHS JLAB Academic Team to the National Championship in Washington, D.C. The team successfully battled teams from around the country and ranked among the top 5% in the nation.

Kaylee is highly regarded by her peers, both through JROTC and as a leader in the school. At the beginning of high school, she admitted she was shy and often timid. But her experience in JROTC allowed her to build the confidence she continues to exude today.

“No one is as selfless as Kaylee,” said Col. Mark Faria, JROTC instructor at Northwest High. “She is the first to help other Cadets, whether it is to fix their uniform or help them with homework.” Kaylee’s participation in community events and her volunteer spirit has earned her recognition across Montgomery County.

“Kaylee is a magnificent young lady with a ton of potential,” said Jessica Peppard, Northwest High Principal.

Kaylee Coon embodies the vision of CMCSS that all students will reach their potential.