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Gulf High senior honored for ROTC accomplishments

 
Allison Segard, center, a senior in the I.B. program at Gulf High, was recently awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross, one of the top recognitions in the nation for JROTC cadets. She is pictured with Army Veteran Michael Perry, left, and her parents, Timothy and Dawn Segard.
Allison Segard, center, a senior in the I.B. program at Gulf High, was recently awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross, one of the top recognitions in the nation for JROTC cadets. She is pictured with Army Veteran Michael Perry, left, and her parents, Timothy and Dawn Segard.
Published Oct. 12, 2016

NEW PORT RICHEY

Allison Segard may be the new kid in town, but she is already catching some attention at her new school.

Segard, a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Gulf High School, was recently awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross. The award recognizes her achievements in academics, leadership and service to the school, community and nation while attending her former school, Franklin High in Franklin, Tenn. It is one of the top recognitions awarded to Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets in the nation.

In June, after completing her junior year, Segard moved with her parents and younger brother to Odessa. Her former JROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Greg Hoover, submitted her name for consideration, even though he knew she was relocating.

"Allison Segard was an outstanding cadet for three years in the Franklin High School JROTC program," Hoover wrote in an email to the Times. "She was an active member of the air rifle team, academic and leadership bowl teams. She ranked near the top of her class academically, and was enrolled in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. Allison made two mission trips to Africa during her summers, and was a children's worship leader at her church. In light of her sterling record in academics, leadership and service, she was selected to be the battalion executive officer (second in command) of the Franklin High School JROTC program. We are grateful to have had Allison in our program for three years, and wish her an outstanding senior year at New Port Richey."

After being notified that Segard had won the Bronze Cross, Hoover shipped her medal and the accompanying certificate to Navy JROTC Cmdr. John McGuire at Gulf High.

"It takes a very elite person to win this award," said Gulf High I.B. assistant principal Steve Page.

So much so that rules dictate that a member of the Legion of Valor or a recipient of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Force Cross should present the award.

Army veteran and Legion of Valor member Michael Perry of Crystal Springs presented the award during a ceremony attended by Segard's parents, superintendent of schools Kurt Browning, school administrators, Gulf High Navy JROTC staffers and the school's NJROTC cadets.

Perry, who served during the Vietnam War and counts the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross among his many decorations, said he was more than happy to make the trek to New Port Richey.

"It's just reinforcing the importance of JROTC programs throughout the country to teach young people responsibility, leadership, citizenship and patriotism," he said. "That's the thrust of our program — to keep our country strong for the future."

Segard is the third Franklin High student to win the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross.

"This is such a huge honor and a surprise," she said, adding that she initially enrolled in the JROTC program on a whim during her freshman year "so I could get out of taking (physical education)."

She quickly warmed to the structure and the family atmosphere the program offered, said her dad, Timothy Segard, adding that while attending Franklin High, his daughter also won the statewide Outstanding JROTC Cadet Award from Sons of the American Revolution, which came with a $1,000 scholarship.

While she excelled in the program at her former school, Segard was not able to fit JROTC into her schedule at Gulf High. But she has found a welcome place in the I.B. program, she said.

"We're just so proud how well she's handled the move (to Florida) in her senior year," said her mom, Dawn Segard. "She's a great kid, and she's worked so hard. It's just wonderful that she's been recognized by others."

Contact Michele Miller at mmiller@tampabay.com Follow @MicheleMiller52.

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