February is a month of dual celebration, honoring both Black History and Career and Technical Education (CTE). As we close out this month of celebration, we're spotlighting a CTE program and two trailblazing individuals of #TeamPGCPS: Captain Clemia Anderson, USN (Retired), and Cadet Elizabeth Blackwood of Bowie High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC).
The NJROTC program is more than just drills and uniforms. It's a transformative experience that shapes character, fosters leadership, and cultivates responsible citizenship. With a curriculum spanning leadership, civics, global awareness, and more, students gain invaluable life skills. Notably, the program offers the opportunity to earn the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot License, a testament to its commitment to a leading-edge CTE experience and education.

Captain Clemia Anderson: A Legacy of Leadership

Captain Anderson, a 39-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, brings a wealth of experience to Bowie High School. Since joining the faculty, he has made a profound impact. Under his guidance, cadets have secured nominations to prestigious military academies, including the Naval and Air Force Academies, and one cadet received the Marine Corps scholarship and is currently enrolled at Morehouse College in the ROTC program. He also established Bowie's first female Cyber team, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Furthermore, he launched the school's Drone team, where his team captain successfully passed the FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot exam. Captain Anderson's dedication to his students is evident in their remarkable achievements.

Cadet Elizabeth Blackwood: Soaring to New Heights

Elizabeth Blackwood, a second-year cadet, is a shining example of student excellence in CTE. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, she volunteered to lead the Drone Team during her first year and continues to excel as its Commander. Her commitment to excellence is exemplified by her successful completion of the rigorous FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot exam, earning her the title of a certified Remote Pilot. Pinned by the NJROTC Area 4 Manager on January 17, 2025, Cadet Blackwood now mentors fellow cadets, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to pursue their passions. In addition to leading the Drone Team, she serves as the Assistant Administrative Officer and will transition to the Administrative Officer position. With aspirations to attend a military academy and become a military officer, Cadet Blackwood embodies the spirit of dedication and leadership.
"It's vital to recognize the contributions of our students and staff in CTE," said Amy Rock, Instructional Supervisor for the Department of Career and Technical Education at Prince George's County Public Schools. "We want our students to succeed in these leading industries. We envision them at the table—leading the table and at the head of the table—in every industry."

"Our responsibility is to equip students with the access, skills, and networks they need to advance themselves and their families. The job market is ever-changing, and careers we once considered stable may not be. We must ensure our students have adaptable skills that can be applied across various fields and emerging industries. CTE students often earn higher salaries, are more likely to attend and complete college, and secure higher-paying jobs with better benefits than non-CTE students. We want all students to explore their options in high school while it is free. By learning transferable skills and expanding their networks, they won't be locked out of opportunities due to a lack of connections. Through CTE, we connect students with industry-leading educators and strong community partners, giving them a significant advantage,” added Rock. 

Captain Anderson and Cadet Blackwood are making Black History every day. They are not only advancing the legacy of the NJROTC program, but their stories serve as an inspiration to all students, highlighting the power of dedication, hard work, and the transformative impact of CTE.