MOUNT DORA – Mount Dora High School senior Peyton Scott has been named Air and Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year. He was selected ahead of more than 17,000 eligible high school juniors enrolled at 831 units around the world!
At the time of his nomination, Cadet Scott had a 4.92 GPA. During his junior year, he led the principal’s top fundraiser for Mount Dora, the annual Art Festival and Craft Festival Parking Operation. He coordinated 100 volunteers and raised over $8,000 for his school. Additionally, he served as the SkillsUSA treasurer and was a member of the National Honor Society.
His leadership had a significant impact on his JROTC Unit, which ranked No. 1 of 122 in the cadet corps with Cadet Scott serving as the unit’s Corps Commander. He led the unit’s recruiting efforts, enrolling 83 freshmen into the program – the best enrollment in the unit’s history. He revived the unit’s Kitty Hawk National Honor Society chapter by rewriting the charter, training plan and operations guide. He also led the Drill Team and Raider Physical Fitness Team, leading both teams to multiple first-place finishes at area competitions.
In addition, Cadet Scott orchestrated the unit’s largest fundraiser to date with 98 percent cadet participation, garnering $27,917 to enhance cadet morale, welfare and recreation as well as filling unit equipment shortages and making up for travel funding shortfalls for drill competitions and Curriculum in Action trips.
During his junior year, Cadet Scott volunteered 268 personal hours of community service and inspired 18 other cadets to exceed 100 service hours this academic year – a unit record.
He was recognized by the School Board at their September 23 meeting.