The first ROTC cadet at Emory & Henry College in more than a century is a student from Gloucester County.

Cadet Emily Johnston, a senior at the Southwest Virginia school, was recognized in E&H’s first contracting ceremony at halftime of Saturday’s men’s basketball game against Washington and Lee University.

Cadets who contract are formally committing to serve as commissioned officers in the Army after they complete their degree programs and ROTC commissioning requirements.

Last fall, Emory & Henry partnered with East Tennessee State University to bring back the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program to its campus. Since that time, five students have entered the program and many more are showing interest, a release stated.

“This is a special day in our history,” said President Jake B. Schrum. “Emily will be the first E&H student in more than 100 years to be fully contracted in the ROTC program with a future opportunity to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.” Johnston has met all the necessary academic, physical and training requirements to earn this opportunity.

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