In an impressive ceremony, the Griffin High School JROTC promoted 10 senior students from the rank of cadet to officer Thursday evening in a ceremony conducted in the GHS cafeteria.

State Sen. John Douglas, Griffin-Spalding County School Superintendent Dr. Jesse Bradley and members of the Board of Education attended as special guests.

“Parents and guardians, you‘ve provided us with diamonds, we merely polish them,” said Senior Army Instructor Lt. Col. Nicholas Burke is his opening statement.

Douglas, who read the oath of office to the officers, took the opportunity to talk about leadership.

“The military taught me about leadership that I could use in my civilian life,” Douglas said.

He went on to say that the outstanding group of young men and women being honored would find success throughout life just as they have experienced success during their time at Griffin High School.

Douglas offered the new officers some helpful advice for times the students find themselves assuming leadership roles.

“When they are cold, you are cold. When they are tired, you are tired,” Douglas said. “When they are hungry, make sure you eat last — or you don’t eat at all. That’s the essence of leadership.

“When you (as a leader) set the standards, it becomes more difficult because you have to live by those standards. Use common sense when you are in a leadership position. Lead by example. Somebody will watch you every minute,” Douglas said.

The high school students promoted were Keith Fontenot, Sarah Negris, Monica Bramlett, Maranda Crittenden, Maggie Gregg, Men’ Yada Davis, Albert Coronado, Andes Leaks, Jeffrey Goodin and Michael Vermeer.

They received their rank from their parents or another person of their choosing.

“The ceremony seems so short and simple, but it’s an accumulation of four years. We set the standards high,” said Burke, adding that it was a very meaningful day for the new officers. “I’m not going to get promoted anymore, but they will.”

Many more times in their careers.