JROTC rappels to greater confidence

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Wakefield - Members of Ironwood's JROTC program tested their personal limits Wednesday as the program practiced rappelling outside of Wakefield.

The members of the school's JROTC program in grades nine through 12 rappelled down an approximately 110-foot cliff-face near M-28 and Crusher Road, northeast of downtown Wakefield.

In addition to being a fun event, the rappelling allowed the students to challenge themselves and discover what they are capable of, according to 1st Sgt. William Murphy, who led the rappelling day.

"It was a good time. I love watching the kids overcome their fears," said Murphy. "I do really enjoy watching the kids go from absolute terror to 'oh wow, that was fun.'"

Not only does the exercise build their confidence but Murphy explained it also builds teamwork among the group as there were several instances where members offered to rappel down the cliff together to help each other to the bottom.

"They get to to take care of each other," Murphy said, noting the day was probably his favorite of the year, "it builds confidence in themselves and their peers."

Not all JROTC programs are able to offer activities like rappelling, Col. Sandra Keefer explained, and Ironwood is only able to make it a yearly tradition because Murphy went through a certification process to be able to lead the exercise.