A total of 18 University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets earned Distinguished Military Student (DMS) status for the 2024-25 academic year. The cadets were formally recognized at the DMS dinner and review the weekend of Sept. 20-22.

"These DMS cadets have met and exceeded the standards we set in the Corps of Cadets. We are proud of their commitment to excellence," Col. Ed Bankston, professor of military science, said. "Their performance inside and outside the classroom will enable them to be the strong officers our Army needs when they commission."

A DMS is required to possess outstanding qualities of leadership, have exhibited an aptitude for military service, attained a military science standing in the upper third of the ROTC class and the professor of military science order-of-merit list, and have completed Cadet Summer Training. Cadets must also attain an overall standing in the upper half of their university or college class.

This year's DMS honorees are: Asher Brinke, Jacob Buchholz, Lucien Buettner, Ian Champion, Brandon Clark-Davidson, Jaden Clark-Davidson, Joseph Disarli, Pierce Fincher, Charles Forbes, Dylan Green, Justin Howard, Colt Hyams, Paul King, Izabella Power, Aiden Quinn, John Robinson, Blaine Rogers, and Lawson Willard.

Jaden Clark-Davidson, a senior from Hiram, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity and a minor in flagship Chinese, serves as the brigade operations officer and the president of UNG's chapter of the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association. She is also a member of the Ranger Challenge team.

Clark-Davidson said the environment at UNG and in the Corps has enabled her to go beyond her comfort zone and develop the skills needed of a leader. She hopes others will observe and exceed the example that she and her peers have set. 

"I encourage younger cadets to network in the Corps and take on difficult tasks," she said. "It's the most direct path to growth and success."

Howard, a senior from Dallas, Georgia, pursuing a degree in finance, knew he wanted to be in the Army and go to college and that "UNG offered me the foundation to be able to do both." Howard serves as the deputy brigade commander for operations in the Corps of Cadets for 2024-25.

He urges other cadets to chase their dreams and surround themselves with others who push them toward excellence.

"Every day is going to be a challenge, and it's on you how you wake up and face that challenge," Howard said. "Be relentless, and if you have a goal, keep chasing after it and trying to achieve it, even if you fail. There have been countless times I failed, but because I kept going, I was able to accomplish my goals."

Buettner, a senior from Brentwood, Tennessee, pursuing a degree in kinesiology with a concentration in health and fitness, joined Ranger Challenge as a freshman. That year, UNG finished fourth overall and won the ROTC title at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is also part of UNG's combat action shooting team.

He said he balances his multiple activities by focusing on the task at hand.

"The busier I am, the better I do academically. I keep the pressure on myself to perform well and stay organized," Buettner said.

He encourages fellow cadets to get involved and give themselves a chance to grow.

"A big part of success at UNG is looking for opportunities," Buettner said.