The Galion City School District proudly celebrated the promotion of 105 students to the rank of cadet airmen in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program on December 10. In addition, instructor Brian Kentosh was promoted to Senior Master Sergeant, and instructor Allison Kentosh was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Their promotions reflect their dedication and contribution to the unit. This milestone also underscores CAP's focus on developing disciplined leaders who embody its core values of integrity, service, excellence, and respect. The Ohio Wing Commander, Colonel David Dlugiewicz, presided over the ceremony.
For the Galion students, this promotion marks a significant milestone in their leadership and personal development journey. These promotions reflected the students’ dedication to meeting the program's rigorous requirements, including instruction and testing in leadership principles, practical assessments in drill and ceremonies, baseline physical fitness testing, and cybersecurity training through e-learning. Additionally, the cadets participated in the Cadet Wingman Course, which combined instructor-led training with testing and completed seven foundational e-learning courses.
This achievement has paved the way for the cadets' next phase of advancement in the CAP program. To attain their subsequent promotion, students will undertake Leadership 2 instruction and testing, a second drill and ceremonies practical test, and an aerospace education examination. Further requirements include character development instruction and testing, demonstrating proper wear of the CAP uniform, and completing seven advanced e-learning courses. Physical fitness testing will also be required again if more than 180 days have passed since their last evaluation.
Cadets for today’s ceremony were in civilian clothing as the unit finishes procuring uniform items to outfit the entire unit. Nevertheless, it was essential to recognize the cadets' hard work and commitment to the program. Board of Education members, staff members and parents were invited to share in this special occasion. A formal, uniformed promotion ceremony is planned for later this school year.
"We are thrilled to see our students excel in the Civil Air Patrol program," said Superintendent Jeff Hartmann, who also holds the rank of major in CAP. "This achievement not only highlights their hard work and perseverance but also sets the foundation for developing strong leaders for the future of our community and country."
In its initial year, the CAP program at the Galion City School District is thriving and becoming a powerful avenue for students to cultivate leadership, discipline, and life skills.
For more information about the CAP program, please see our website galionschools.org/cap