Virginia Military Institute cadets have been working hard in preparation for the inaugural parade to celebrate Virginia’s 74th Governor.

Virginia Military Institute officially has its first female leader for its Corps of Cadets.

For the first time in its 182 years, VMI chose a female cadet to hold the highest-ranking position a student can earn. Cadet Kasey Meredith was named Cadet First Captain and Regimental Commander. “She’s a superstar,” said Lara Chambers, the first female alumnus appointed to the VMI Board of Visitors. Chambers said that as a female cadet, she wanted to be treated the same as the men. In a statement to 10 News, she writes in part:“I want to congratulate Cadet Kasey Meredith on her historic achievement.