Command Course
This past week, from June 26th to July 1st, three cadets from Carolina Forest were accepted to Command Course Academy, a program held at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Of our students, Cadet Celeste Ngo stood out in particular. She was the first among all her peers and previous successors to graduate from this program with Type 2 diabetes.
“It wasn’t easy in the beginning because I struggled with blood sugar management.” -Celeste Ngo
Celeste Ngo
In Ngo’s case, her body processes sugars abnormally, causing her sugar levels to spike and drop if left unregulated. Her symptoms often consisted of migraines because of high blood sugar and nausea with low blood sugar. Diabetes is often falsely associated with the inability to consume sugar when, in reality, it’s about controlling what and how much one consumes to maintain a healthy sugar level. Despite being diagnosed at age 13, Ngo hasn’t let her diabetes control or slow her down in the slightest. Throughout her experience in NJROTC, Ngo has been awarded for her accomplishments by becoming the Guidon for her platoon, achieving Cadet of the Quarter and Cadet of the Year, and receiving the position of Administrative Officer for the 2023-2024 school year! No matter the challenges one may face, Ngo proves that perseverance and determination are followed by success and acknowledgment!
“Just because I have Diabetes does not mean it’s an excuse to not PT or drill.” - Celeste Ngo
Gideon Hatfield
Alongside Celeste Ngo was Cadet Gideon Hatfield from York Comprehensive High School. Similar to Ngo, Hatfield was diagnosed with diabetes from a young age. His case involves Type 1 Diabetes. This is when the body doesn’t produce any insulin whereas someone suffering from Type 2 diabetes may experience little production of insulin or a resistance to it. Originally, hosts at the Command Course rejected Hatfield from the academy because his health conditions put him at risk of intensive training. Despite the rejection, Hatfield fought for his spot and successfully obtained it through dedication and commitment.
"You can do anything if you put your mind to it." - Gideon Hatfield
Overview
Cadet Hatfield and Ngo demonstrated that you are the only one who knows what you can and cannot do despite misconceived perceptions of one’s condition. We are immensely proud of these two cadets, and we are especially honored to have Cadet Ngo serve as our Administrative Officer for the 2023-2024 school year. Job well done!
Command Course
Article Written by C/ENS Maddison Piscopo
Reviewed by C/LCDR Klaire Heller
Contact us
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions! You can reach our Public Affairs Officer, Senior Naval Science Instructor, or Naval Science Instructor through the information below.
Captain Kevin Boyle, Senior NSI - kboyle@g.horrycountyschools.net
Chief Gregg Thompson NSI - gthompson002@g.horrycountyschools.net
