![Benjamin Williams and Reese Sherman, social studies teachers, explain department information a guest. "This [open house] was, for me, a great opportunity to meet family in the district that will soon be attending the high school," Williams said.](https://www.utimesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9117-1200x800.jpg)
The U. City JROTC program started the 2012-13 school year with plans to improve their program with more cadets and participation.
“This year we have so many new cadets we had to change our AS-1 class around to accommodate 60 students,” said Col. Henson. “We have far exceeded our goal of 50 new cadets.”
With new cadets coming in and old cadets helping run it the program is off to a phenomenal start.
“This year we have the potential to be a wonderful program that deserves to be respected and honored,” said senior Tasha McClendon.
Cadet McClendon has been in the program for four years, she is an AS’4 and the Group Commander, better known as the head of the program.
“We have been involved in many of the school and community events including the Sept. 12 career day fair and Pershing Elementary School opening,” said McClendon.
When U. City had an annual career day which all the clubs in the school broadcast what they are about, the JROTC program was no different.
“We had cadets make posters with pictures of our color guard, annual military ball, and all the fun we have in the program,” said senior Alexia Steele. “Then we had uniformed cadets display our signs and showed a video of what we do in class.”
Steele is also an AS’4, a member of the color guard, the drill team and the group support squadron commander.
“We have done many events including presenting the colors at the Cardinals vs. Braves baseball game,” said Steele. “We also plan on doing two blood drives, field day activities for all the cadets and the annual Veterans Day program scheduled for November 8th.”
