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Five University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) cadets completed Army ROTC Basic Camp this summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Madison Shook, a senior, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in health science, social science and military science, attended Basic Camp to catch up on training because she is a transfer student. While there, Shook won the Military Order of World Wars Award of Merit, which is presented to the cadet who best demonstrates the ability to evaluate, analyze, apply, and understand experiences and capabilities to solve tactical problem sets.

She said Â鶹ÊÓƵ prepared her well for Basic Camp with what she learned in her first year in Dahlonega. Even with that foundation, she said she learned even more in the four weeks this summer.

"It helped me realize I am capable of doing the things everyone else here at Â鶹ÊÓƵ is doing," Shook said.

The Cartersville, Georgia, native began her college career with three years at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where she was a soccer student-athlete for two years and a student coach for her final season.

Basic Camp is a 30-day training event designed to introduce cadets to the Army. The objective is to develop cadet leadership skills, train them on individual and junior leader tasks, and develop and reinforce the warrior ethos and Army values. Basic Camp provides the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in ROTC and the Army. Cadets graduate Basic Camp prepared to lead at the team and squad levels.

J.B. Sanford, a junior from Ellijay, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting, particularly enjoyed the 40-foot rappel, night infiltration course, high ropes course, range days, and obstacle course at Basic Camp.

"I never thought I could accomplish many of the things that were asked of me by the drill sergeants — but I did," Sanford said. "They proved to be not just instructors, but true mentors and leaders who pushed us beyond what we believed we were capable of. That experience helped many of us build not only discipline, but also confidence in our own potential."

In addition to Shook and Sanford, other Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets completing Basic Camp included Xander Long, James Mayfield and Christopher Williams.

Sanford said the Corps of Cadets is preparing him well for his goal of commissioning as a Military Intelligence Branch second lieutenant.

"By cultivating a culture of hard work, physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork, Â鶹ÊÓƵ provides a framework for developing the leaders of tomorrow — and I'm proud to be a small part of that mission," Sanford said. "Hopefully, my story encourages others to join, no matter where they are in their academic journey."