AUSTIN, Texas — 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 more than high school students. They were symbols 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.

“As I look out here, I have great confidence that our State and our Nation is in great hands,” Nelson told the students. “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.”

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 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.

A Mission Beyond Borders

But the mission of ILTexas extends beyond discipline and service. Every student is required to learn English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese—three of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The goal is not just academic excellence but global preparedness.

“We’re training the next generation of leaders—not just for Texas, not just for America, but for the world,” said Superintendent Eddie Conger, a retired Marine Corps Major, Infantry. “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 more than an educational requirement; it is 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, international business, and government—positions where their ability to communicate across languages and cultures will be invaluable.

"The people making laws and policies are very respected people, and to me, respect means a lot," said Marylue Urbina, a senior at ILTexas Aggieland High School. "Knowing I could have a position like that if I push forward, try my best, and study hard is inspiring."

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.

This was more than a field trip. It was a lesson in leadership, in responsibility, in the power of service. For many of these students, this 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.

"Being at the Capitol allows us to speak to government officials who make decisions about our everyday lives," said Angelina Gutierrez, a senior at ILTexas Katy-Westpark High School. "Getting to speak with them and ask questions about how to get more involved, allows us to keep making a difference at the international level and at a local level."

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, into careers in public service, and into leadership roles that demand integrity and selflessness.

On the steps of the Capitol, Superintendent Conger reflected on the significance of the day.

“These students are seeing firsthand that leadership through service can change the world,” he said. “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.”

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.

Watch the full formation on Facebook Live