Stanford selected for Prestigious Four-Star Leadership Program

Erin Stanford, a rising senior and standout member of the Emanuel County Institute JROTC program, has been selected as one of only 75 students worldwide to participate in the Four-Star Leadership Program with General Tommy Franks. The elite program is scheduled for July 13–18 at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The Four-Star Leadership Program, founded by retired United States Army General Tommy Franks, is a highly competitive national leadership experience designed to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders. Students selected for the program engage in dynamic seminars, team-building exercises, and policy debates while gaining insights from accomplished leaders in business, government, and the military. They also have the opportunity to win scholarships and endorsements for future leadership positions.

Stanford’s selection reflects not only her academic excellence but also her outstanding commitment to leadership and community service. She is a dual-enrollment honor student at ECI who is currently an S5 Officer in the JROTC program. She has been the recipient of several national and district level JROTC awards including the Military Order of the World Wars JROTC Medal of Merit and the Military Officers Association of America JROTC Medal. Stanford also launched Operation Digital Heroes which is a six-course program that teaches computer and digital literacy to military veterans. She also holds multiple leadership positions in school and community organizations.

“Erin is the kind of student who leads by example,” said retired Sergeant First Class John Nelson, ECI JROTC instructor. “She is disciplined, driven, and consistently demonstrates integrity both in and out of uniform. We’re incredibly proud to see her hard work recognized on an international level.”

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Robert Yarbrough, Senior Army Instructor at ECI, shared that sentiment: “Erin stands out as one of the most dedicated cadets I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Her selection to the Four-Star Leadership Program is a direct result of her commitment to excellence. She has a bright future ahead of her.”

The Emanuel County Institute administration and community are proud to support Erin as she prepares to represent Emanuel County this summer on a global stage of young leaders.