Bob Foos
Anthony Kulju was recently chosen as Cadet of the Week for the nine states that make up the JROTC 3rd Brigade.
Lt. Col. Anthony Kulju is the commander of Cardinal Battalion and rifle team at Webb City High School.
His application for the honor required an essay, and he was supported by his instructors, Lt. Col. Dustin Elder and 1st Sgt. Stephanie Attaway.
“We obviously thought he was qualified for the honor,” said Elder, pointing out that Kulju is the top cadet in the JROTC program here.
Anthony, a senior, has been a member of the drill and rifle teams for all four years, which both practice daily. He also volunteers to serve on the honor guard.
He has attended Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge for four summers in Mexico, Mo.
When asked to write about someone he draws inspiration from, Anthony chose his father, William, a former window glazier and now computer scientist. He also chose a historic home to restore when the family, including Anthony’s mother, Magdalena, and his five siblings, moved here five years ago.
Anthony says, “I joined JROTC because it provided an opportunity to attain required high school credits, while sounding like a fun experience. I continued to stay in the program because… it provides me with friendships and leadership experiences that I could not find in other school activities.”
He says his involvement with JROTC has “given me a multitude of chances to step into leadership roles, develop my character, confidence, and discipline in the process.”
He is active in much more than JROTC. He is a member of National Honor Society, and he has quite a talent for music. He plays cello, is the lead pianist for the jazz ensemble and has played tenor saxophone in multiple bands. He also works for The Nest, the school’s student-led food business that sells food and drinks to students and staff as the school day begins. He enjoys running, cycling and singing.
Anthony says he wants to work for himself in construction after he graduates from high school.