The “Alumi Trail” with BHS Graduate Drew Nelson
And the journey on “The Alumni Trail” begins.
The first alum to be featured from Bagley High School is Drew Nelson, Class of 2025. His graduation may not have been that long ago yet he has already accomplished quite a bit. He has set an ambitious course for his life. And in talking with him, that commitment seems very solid. Drew is in his first year at Norwich University in Northfield, VT in the Corps of Cadets-Army ROTC program.
Norwich University is a private university in Northfield, Vermont, founded in 1819 and known as the birthplace of the ROTC and the oldest private military college in the United States. As the oldest private military college, it provides a Corps of Cadets program and direct paths to service through U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force ROTC programs. With the Corp of Cadets embedded within the program students are not only taking military science classes but are also living in a military-like environment with daily formation, training, and stricter lifestyle rules compared to standard ROTC programs (google search).
Drew said the first year is the “Rook Year”. He went on to describe the first week called “Rook Week”. During the first week they have no privileges, they are not even recognized as a cadet, and of course men lose the hair, women a sheet cut. He said this week was the hardest due to the change in lifestyle. Of the 400+ students who started their first year, only 300 continued in the program after this first week. Drew credits his commitment to academics, music and being in Cross Country in high school to help him transition.
During this first year Drew will be a “Rook”. His schedule is very regimented and times are precise. Privileges are limited and breaking rules can be costly. And with it all he said he really likes Army stuff.
Drew intends on becoming a Critical Combat Doctor. He wants the full military experience versus being cooped up in an office. After he earns his undergraduate degree he will complete 4 years of Medical School. At this juncture he applies for his residency and hopefully gets the field he wants.
At the time of our interview Drew had just returned home for the holiday break. When we met at the Bagley High School he was in full uniform. In addition to the interview Drew was to speak in front of Mr. Nistler’s Jr. and Sr. English classes as part of the “Break Recruiting Initiative”.
The Norwich Break Recruiting Initiative involves direct peer-to-peer recruiting from the University. It was created after Norwich discovered that 75% of students that attend the University were introduced to it by the peers that they knew. The goal is for the presenter to tell “their story” and outreach to the youth that used to know them. And Drew knew many as we walked through the halls to Mr. Nistler’s classroom.
I had the privilege of listening in on the first session with students. Drew introduced himself and explained why his was there. He spoke clearly and confidently. He went through his Power Point like a seasoned professional. Students were asked to critique his presentation, including areas that might need improvement. He was very poised throughout the presentation. He presented as someone more mature than a recent high school graduate in his first semester of college.
Drew is the son of Perry and Melanie Nelson. He has an older sister Breanna.
The “Alumni Trail” is a new monthly column (initially) that will feature a Bagley High School graduate from any year. It will include the year of graduation, graduation recognitions, post graduation accomplishments including college, military service, employment, recognitions, family, etc. A submission may be made by family, friend, colleague etc with information about the graduate and reason for submission, contact information and a recent picture if no face to face interview can be completed. Questions? please contact me at 218-401-1651(leave a msg). Or email pamelajeanisme63@gmail.com