Just as classes ended for the 2004-2005 school year, ten cadets from Benton High School enrolled in the eight-day Bossier Parish AFJROTC Summer Leadership School encampment at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Cadets Timothy Emfinger and Tasha Yates were selected as Cadet Training Officers (CTOs) because of their prior completion of this course.  Cadets attending the course were Heather Ashton, Jared Book, Clinton Camp, Thomas Connell, Brian Dean, Timothy Emfinger, Delebra Johnson, Christie Jones, Britnie Mahoney, John Porter, and Nick Sewell.  All ten completed the eight days encampment along with 230 other cadets from eight states. 

Cadet Heather Ashton, from the senior division, garnered the Military Excellence award and Britnie Mahoney, from junior division, garnered the Outstanding Leadership award.  Military Excellence award is the school’s third highest award.  The Outstanding Leadership award is the school’s fifth highest award.

This fast paced school allowed the cadets to sharpen their skills in Leadership, Drill and Ceremonies, Academic, and Physical Fitness.  Jared Book was selected as Bravo Flight Commander for the Cadet Wing Drill Competition.  In addition, Heather Ashton, Britnie Mahoney, and Nick Sewell received special recognition awards for Athletic and Sportsmanship during intramural competitions.