Writer – SAI, MAJ Hilda Starks
Photographer – SAI, MAJ Hilda Starks
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Esmeralda Huerta will be representing the state of Texas and Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio, TX at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA at the end of May for the American Spirit Awards Program. The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who demonstrates the American Spirit in his or her community.
C/LTC Huerta is in the top 10% of her graduating senior class. She has been selected to serve as the Battalion Commander for two consecutive years. C/LTC Huerta is a member of the Spanish Honor Society. She has volunteered all four years to participate in our Service-Learning project in collaboration with Junior Achievement of South Texas to teach over 1500 elementary students financial literacy, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. C/LTC Huerta is a member of our Monticello Color Guard team and Brigade Drill team where she has participated in various events such as Color Guard detail for the Morning Side Senior Center on Veterans Day and for the Police Department of Balcones Heights to name a few. C/LTC Huerta has been a member of the Brigade Drill team all four years of high school where she has competed in local and national competitions. She was also a member of the JLAB Team. C/LTC Huerta has volunteered in many events such as fundraisers, after school activities such as football games, parades, and pep-rallies, visiting Veterans at the senior center, and many more.
C/LTC Huerta is not only active in JROTC but is an International Baccalaureate (IB) student in Thomas Jefferson. She currently has a full schedule of IB classes and upon graduation she will earn college credits towards her degree. C/LTC Huerta will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in Psychology. Later on in her studies she would like to go to medical school where she can implement psychology to become a psychiatrist and make a positive impact in mental health care.
C/LTC Huerta will attend the 2025 American Spirit Awards program from May 29th – June 1st, 2025. She will then represent the state of Texas at multiple events over the weekend. C/LTC Huerta will also have the opportunity to participate in leadership activities, explore New Orleans and receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to The National WWII Museum. This awards program is open to all high school students in the 50 States and the District of Columbia.
The Mustang Battalion at Thomas Jefferson JROTC in San Antonio, TX is tremendously proud of all the hard work, leadership and dedication C/LTC Huerta has given to the program and the positive impact she has impressed on her community.
