The Wooster Colts have plenty to cheer about. On Wednesday one of their own, 17-year-old Erika received the prestigious Legion of Valor award.
"It's an honor to give you the top command award"
The distinctive Legion of Valor is only awarded to a few dozen high school students out of hundreds of thousands of Army JROTC cadets across the country.
"One of the best cadets in the nation!"
The award recognizes excellence in military, academic and community service. "I'm just really appreciative for the opportunity, it was definitely surprise to be nominated.”
Lt. Col. Mike Iratcabal (Ret) adds, "She has integrity, she has discipline, because she has disciplined her life throughout - since she's about in seventh grade.”
She's also overcome an incredibly traumatic childhood. When Erika was just seven years old, her father murdered her mother, shot the couple's divorce judge, fled the country and was eventually imprisoned.
"Darren Mack - this is his daughter. What this young lady has gone through what she does here at Wooster, it's just fabulous.”
Brother Jory stood proudly by her side. "I was impressed, but not really surprised.”
Although nine years apart, Jory says the sibling's tragic past brought them closer together.
“You can either make a decision to fall to the...to your atmosphere and what's given to you or you can rise and overcome it and it makes you stronger. Obviously Erika has become stronger from it so.”
In addition to her command of more than 2,000 cadets, Erika Mack has a 4.7 GPA and is a candidate for an international baccalaureate diploma.
