Instructors
MSG (R) Donovan Whitfield, Senior Army Instructor
MSG (R) Donovan Whitfield
New Cadets & Parents/Guardians, it is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to Ocean Springs High School! As your Senior Army Instructor, it is my sincere pleasure to work with our dedicated staff and community to help provide an excellent educational experience for our students. We are committed to ensuring that your children receive the best support to learn and grow.
As the Senior Army JROTC Instructor, I am responsible for creating a positive culture and safe learning environment in the classroom, that will ultimately promote optimal academic outcomes. At Ocean Springs High School, I work alongside MSG (R) Darryl Gipson and teachers in promoting student intellectual, social, patriotic, character education, and physical growth.
In JROTC, our most valuable asset is our cadets. Cultivating a culture where everyone can learn and grow, be recognized, and feel a part of the school family is essential. In JROTC, we have a dedicated Leadership Team to maintain a positive climate while holding one another accountable provides structure and a place that is ripe for growth.
MSG (R) Darryl G. Gipson II, Army Instructor
Welcome all, Cadets and parents. My name is Master Sergeant Darryl G. Gipson II. I retired from the Army in 2025 after 23 years in uniform. I am very excited this year to be your JROTC Army Instructor. The Ocean Springs High School JROTC is known as the “Greyhound Battalion” and we are so enthusiastic for what the year will bring for the Greyhound Battalion.
During the school year every cadet will have increased responsibilities to challenge their discipline, accountability, leadership, and excellence. These four principles will be the bedrock of expectations as the cadets increase in rank and responsibility. The Greyhound Battalion enables the cadet leaders to operate the battalion on a daily basis. The daily operations and decisions are made by the company and battalion staff. As the Army Instructor I am here to support, guide, lead, and counsel the cadets on character, attributes, and values expected of a leader.
The guiding principles of my leadership philosophy are the 10 Principles of Servant Leadership. I have taught every cadet in the first week the acronym for the ten principles “SFC (P) Bleach”. I leverage those values daily to ensure the cadets are the number one priority of the Greyhound Battalion. Thank you for the opportunity to have your Cadets in JROTC this year.