Writer – 1SG (Ret) Dan Purdom, AI
Photographer – 1SG (Ret.) Dan Purdom
On February 28th, 2025, Cadet Sergeant Major (C/SGM) Kaitlyn Maxson was announced as the inaugural winner of the annual Constantine H. Wilson Award at the conclusion of a 3-hour live stream celebration event. This award was established to honor the legacy of the founder of New Guard America, and nominations for the award were open to outstanding high school students worldwide who intend to continue their drill career and contributions to the drill community after high school. As part of their submission for the award, candidates were required conduct independent research about Constantine H. Wilson and New Guard America, describe their biggest success in the sport of armed drill, and explain how they plan to continue advancing their own drill skills and the drill community as a whole. C/SGM Maxson was selected as the first-ever winner of this prestigious award from amongst six other finalists and, as the winner, she received a custom, one-of-a-kind drill rifle constructed by Adam Jeup, founder and operator of The Drill Dojo, in coordination with New Guard America and Glendale Parade Store.
Cadet Sergeant Major Maxson was also selected as the Mansfield ISD Fine Arts Student of the Month for March 2025. This highly competitive award was presented by Dr. Darwert Johnson, MISD Director of Fine Arts, in front of her peers and family. She will have an article published in the MISD Newsletter and receive a personalized lawn sign to display at her home. Students competing for this award had to be nominated by their teachers based on academic excellence, leadership, extracurriculars, and community service.