GSSM Alumnus Appointed Brigade Commander at U.S. Naval Academy

Jackie Booker Jr. (’18) has been appointed Brigade Commander at the U.S. Naval Academy. This is the highest student position of leadership within the Brigade of Midshipmen.

“For those who worked with Jackie while he was at GSSM, this honor will likely come as no surprise,” said Mr. Jacob Sintich, Booker’s college counselor. “He is certainly deserving of this honor and leadership position.”

Booker will be working with the commandant of midshipmen, who is similar to a civilian school’s dean of students. Booker is also responsible for the brigade’s daily activities and training and is accountable for the brigade’s conduct.

Despite having a role that requires him to exercise discipline, he does not believe in leading by force.

“I’ve always felt like being a leader is more being the person that can inspire and help other people do what they want to do and set out goals that they want to achieve. That’s something I really want to focus on and have the opportunity to do with everyone I’m working with,” Booker said to The Times and Democrat.

“We are so proud of Jackie,” said GSSM’s President Daniel Dorsel. “As a former GSSM President’s Cup recipient, I’m glad to read that Jackie will continue to model and emphasize servant leadership. Jackie is an amazing example to all of us.”

Read more here. Jackie Booker is set to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2022.