Friday night will be a special one for many as it’s Senior Night for the Class of 2020’s JROTC, band, Raiderettes, colorguard, cheerleaders and football. The Rider Chronicle will have a series of Q/As with the leaders of each organization this week. 

Cadet Major Joseph Scales, who has served in the Rider JROTC for four years, sat down with The Rider Chronicle to discuss his plans for his final year of high school and where he hopes to be after graduation.

Q: Why have you stayed in the JROTC for so long?

A: I’ve stayed in JROTC because of the opportunities it gives me to improve myself as a person and a leader. I also stay for the people. I’ve met many people that will probably be friends for life.

Q: Why is it special to you?

A: Because I want to pursue a career in the Armed Services.

Q: What do you want to accomplish your senior year? Meaning, your personal goals and your goals for JROTC.

A: Well, in ROTC, we’re trying to be better than last year. The program was not run to the expected standard by senior cadets. For my personal goals… do I say my personal goals? I’m trying to get appointed to the Air Force Academy.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from JROTC?

A: Alright, so this one time last year, we were on a trip, right. And we almost got kicked out of the hotel pool because we kept messing around and like, the staff got onto us like five times. 

Q: What will you miss about Rider/being in JROTC once you leave?

A: The people. Being with my friends and stuff.

Q: What have you learned from being in JROTC?

A: There’s a bunch of stupid freaking people. But mostly I’ve learned some leadership and how to work with people that I don’t like.

Q: How have you changed since your freshman year? Why do you think that is?

A: Um, I’m not as much like a quiet kid. Not as much. Because I’ve been given the opportunity and kind of forced to be more outgoing.

Q: What do you want to do after high school? Why?

A: I want to commission into the Air Force. I want to be a Combat Rescue Officer, because I want to help people.

Q: Final words for your squad. What do you want them to know?

A: My advice is to find something you enjoy doing, but step out of your comfort zone every once in a while.