Every morning, a young man projects his voice over the loudspeaker to the more than 1,800 students who attend North Atlanta High School. But do you know the person behind the voice? He is senior Zachary Bracknell, a cadet major in the JROTC program. It’s Bracknell who addresses the student body every morning, stating the school’s mission statement and leading all classrooms as the school collectively recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

As a member of JROTC and as a patriotic American, Bracknell holds the pledge sacred. He said he finds it disillusioning that so many North Atlanta students disregard this pledge. Go into just about any classroom at around 8:45 when Bracknell asks everyone to stand. There you’ll find students sitting, looking at their phones, eating Cheetos and just about anything other than showing reverence for Old Glory.

Bracknell was appointed to his position due to his punctuality at the school and in life in general. “I am one of the very few people who gets to school early. Mr. Whitman sent me an email and personally asked for me to take over this role, especially because of my position in ROTC,” he said.

He said the start-of-the-school-day announcement task is enjoyable. Speaking to so many people is a privilege and a responsibility that he takes seriously.

Bracknell feels the Pledge of Allegiance is a commitment of courage, a reminder of what a great honor it is to be a citizen of “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The words in the pledge have great meaning for the serious-mined senior who frequently wears his JROTC uniform or even army fatigues around school. “I know that there are some who don’t take the pledge seriously, but I’m encouraged because I know there are many here who do view the pledge as a statement of respect toward our country.”

Reciting the pledge – and doing so over the school intercom – is a morning task that comes natural to him. And he’s mindful that he’s reaching a broad audience in doing so. “It’s a way to inspire students and give everyone the chance to express their love for our great nation,” he said.

And even if many are uninterested and more focused on their phones or talking with friends, Bracknell said he’s not discouraged. “It’s a great country whether a kid’s listening or not.”