KELLOGG – Three cadets from Kellogg High School's Marine Corps JROTC program traveled to Southern California earlier this summer to participate in the annual Devil Pups Encampment at Camp Pendleton. 

Founded in 1954, the Devil Pups Youth Program was established by retired Marine Corps Reserve officers led by Col. A. Duncan Shaw to promote citizenship, character development and patriotism among young people. With support from the Marine Corps, the program was launched at Camp Pendleton to build leadership, discipline and physical fitness. Originally open only to boys, the program began accepting girls in 1998 and has since graduated more than 55,000 participants. 

KHS cadets Alex Cassidy, Katie Cassidy and Piper Hendrix made the trip to San Diego in July, where they spent 10 days immersed in the intensive program during some of the warmest days of the year. 

Each cadet reflected on their experience, sharing the biggest lessons learned, challenges faced and takeaways from the encampment. 

For at least one cadet, the challenges began before arriving at Camp Pendleton. However, a combination of courage and accountability helped set the tone for the rest of the trip. 

"The thing that challenged me the most was the thought of giving up. I told myself that I was giving up and I couldn't do it anymore," Katie said. "I had to change that mindset because right before we got on the plane, Piper and I made a promise to each other that we were going to get through this together." 

That promise became a driving force for the pair, especially as the program's physical demands increased. For Hendrix, motivation came from a simple mantra she repeated to herself throughout the camp as she worked to honor that commitment. 

"If I’m being honest, everything about camp was challenging, but what challenged me the most was the endurance stuff," Hendrix said. "Whether it be a two-mile run or holding a squat with our backs as straight as boards for what felt like hours. This is the part where 'just keep swimming' truly ran rampant through my head to keep me motivated to not give up." 

All three cadets agreed the program was more difficult than they expected, but each completed challenge brought a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment they will remember for years to come. 

The challenges of the program's first nine days culminate on the final day with a task traditionally reserved for Marine Corps recruits completing boot camp: the climb to the top of Ole Smokey. 

Ole Smokey is the highest peak on the 125,000-acre Marine Corps base. The climb serves as a milestone for new Marines completing boot camp, but for prospective Devil Pups, it is the final test of their mettle. During a sunset ceremony at the summit, participants are formally inducted as Devil Pups and receive a challenge coin from their instructors. 

The cadets said the experience taught them lessons in teamwork, perseverance, trust and communication, values they would encourage other high school students to embrace. 

"The biggest piece of advice I would give to a high schooler in regard to growing as a person and being a leader is to pick the best path," Alex said. "Keep pushing even if you feel like quitting. If you are at a bad stage in your life, find someone, because most of the time you can't do it alone, and get out of the struggle together." 

Sgt. Maj. Jeff Smith, the senior Marine instructor at KHS, said he is excited to see what the trio brings to the program this year, especially since all three are expected to serve in leadership roles. 

"Katie, Alex, and Piper are a testament to the success kids can see when they work hard," Smith said. "JROTC is not an easy program. It is designed to challenge kids and push them to their limits. These three, along with many others in the JROTC program, have always accepted the challenge and realized the fruits of their work." 

According to Smith, Katie will begin the school year as a platoon commander, Alex will serve as company first sergeant, and Hendrix will be the program's executive officer. 

"We are excited to see them use the leadership skills they learned at Devil Pups," he said.