“A cemetery is the richest place on earth.” That is the opening line in the essay written and submitted by Cardington-Lincoln High School junior Jordan Deskins to the Semper Fidelis All – American Program.

That essay won her selection by The United States Marine Corps to participate in the 2017 Battles Won Academy in Washington DC July 13-17.

According to the release from the USMC, Deskins was selected not only for her athletic performance but also for outstanding character, academic excellence and community leadership that reflect the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment.

The Battles Won Academy will bring together approximately 100 of the country’s top students leaders for a week in the nation’s capitol. In addition, Deskins was one of 12 students in the program selected

to have her personal story shared by a film crew which visited the

school on May 10 and followed her both in her school schedule and the

time she volunteered at the Community Food Pantry at the First

United Methodist Church.

She is secretary of her junior class, on student council, and belongs to

the Spirit Club, FFA, FCA, the Spanish Club and Improv.

Her essay, following her opening statement, said “To me, this quote

symbolizes people that never overcame adversity. A cemetery is full of books that never got published, art that was never seen, songs that were

never written and ideas that were never exposed. I believe that everyone

has their purpose here, their purpose to pursue a passion, whatever it may

be. But the difference between pursuing and not pursuing is overcoming adversity.” She explained in her essay that her father had passed away

during her freshman year and “it has been a constant struggle for me to

overcome. But I did not let that stop me from being the person I want to

be.”

The Battles Won Academy taps into the irreductible essence of the Marine

Corps which is the fighting spirit of the Marines. The essence of the Marines

individually and collectively is the willingness to engage and the determina-

tion to defeat an opposing force- whether personal or on behalf of our nation

and its communities.

Jordan is the daughter of Heather Deskins.

Jordan Deskins being fitted with a microphone before cameras from the Semper Fidelis All America Program follow her during her school schedule at Cardington-Lincoln High School on May 10.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/06/web1_microfone.jpgJordan Deskins being fitted with a microphone before cameras from the Semper Fidelis All America Program follow her during her school schedule at Cardington-Lincoln High School on May 10.

By Evelyn Long

The Sentinel

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