A lesson in leadership: ILTexas cadets take their place at the
Texas Capitol
The students presented the colors on the Capitol lawn in a stunning visual display that embodied ILTexas’ principles of servant leadership, sacrifice and a commitment to a greater cause.
By Caitlin Madison on February 20, 2025
The morning air was crisp as more than 1,200 high school cadets stood at attention on the
south steps of the Texas Capitol, a sea of neatly pressed uniforms and youthful faces. The sun
rose behind them, casting long shadows across the historic grounds, as the young men and
women of the International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer
Training Corps (MCJROTC) prepared to present the colors.
Their movements were precise, their discipline unwavering. In that moment, they were the
embodiment of servant leadership, sacrifice and a commitment to something greater than
themselves.
The ceremony was presided over by Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who stood before the cadets, scanning their ranks with admiration. When she spoke, her voice carried the weight of experience and expectation.
For these students, leadership is more than a concept — it is a way of life. At ILTexas, every
student is immersed in a curriculum built on the United States Marine Corps 14 leadership traits
and 11 leadership principles, which are intended to develop an “others before self” mindset. They don’t just learn about leadership in textbooks; they live it through service-learning projects, rigorous leadership training and the values instilled by their Marine Corps JROTC program — the largest in the nation.
"As I look out here, I have great confidence that our state and our nation is in great hands. You give me such hope. You are gaining skills right now that are going to put you way ahead no matter what path you choose."
Jane Nelson,
Texas Secretary of State
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The power of a formation
As the students stood in perfect formation, lawmakers and spectators alike paused to take in the sight. The sheer scale of 1,200 cadets standing shoulder to shoulder in uniform — a visual representation of discipline, unity and purpose — was breathtaking. Their presence at the Capitol was not a spectacle; it was a statement.
The visit to the Capitol wasn’t simply a field trip: It was a lesson in leadership, responsibility and
the power of service. For many of the students, it was their first encounter with the state’s
political leaders. For some, it was the moment they realized that they, too, could one day hold
office, write laws and shape the future.
A mission beyond borders
But the mission of ILTexas extends beyond instilling discipline and a service mindset in its
students. For example, every student is required to learn English, Spanish and Mandarin
Chinese — three of the most widely spoken languages in the world — in order to ensure global preparedness as well as academic excellence.
“We’re training the next generation of leaders — not just for Texas, not just for America, but for the world,” said ILTexas Superintendent Eddie Conger, a retired Marine Corps major. “Our
students are being prepared to bridge diplomatic gaps, to engage with foreign governments and to lead on an international stage. They are learning that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about making the world a better place.”
The language training at ILTexas is not just an educational requirement; it’s a strategic
advantage. As the U.S. faces increasing global challenges, there is a growing need for leaders
who can navigate cultural and linguistic divides. These students are being prepared for roles in
diplomacy, military service, government and international business — positions where their
ability to communicate across languages and cultures will be invaluable.
“These students are seeing firsthand that leadership through service can change the world. They’re meeting the people who make decisions for our state, and they’re realizing that they can be those decision-makers. That is the power of what we do at ILTexas.”
Eddie Conger, superintendent of ILTexas
As the ceremony concluded and the cadets marched away from the Capitol, the echo of their boots against the stone steps lingered —
a reminder that leadership is not given. It is earned. And for these young men and women, their journey is just beginning.
sponsored by: International Leadership of Texas
“These students are seeing firsthand that leadership through service can change the world. They’re meeting the people who make decisions for our state, and they’re realizing that
they can be those decision-makers. That is the power of what we do at ILTexas.”
EDDIE CONGER, SUPERINTENDENT OF ILTEXAS
A mission beyond borders
But the mission of ILTexas extends beyond instilling discipline and a service mindset in its
students. For example, every student is required to learn English, Spanish and Mandarin
Chinese — three of the most widely spoken languages in the world — in order to ensure global
preparedness as well as academic excellence.
“We’re training the next generation of leaders — not just for Texas, not just for America, but for the world,” said ILTexas Superintendent Eddie Conger, a retired Marine Corps major. “Our
students are being prepared to bridge diplomatic gaps, to engage with foreign governments and
to lead on an international stage. They are learning that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about
making the world a better place.”
The language training at ILTexas is not just an educational requirement; it’s a strategic
advantage. As the U.S. faces increasing global challenges, there is a growing need for leaders
who can navigate cultural and linguistic divides. These students are being prepared for roles in
diplomacy, military service, government and international business — positions where their
ability to communicate across languages and cultures will be invaluable.
A call to serve
The ILTexas Marine Corps JROTC program is more than an extracurricular activity — it is a
foundation for life. It has launched students into military academies, careers in public service
and leadership roles that demand integrity and selflessness.
On the steps of the Capitol, Superintendent Conger reflected on the significance of the day.
As the ceremony concluded and the cadets marched away from the Capitol, the echo of their boots against the stone steps lingered — a reminder that leadership is not given. It is earned.
And for these young men and women, their journey is just beginning.
Jane Nelson, Texas Secretary of State