JROTC program at Center Grove reports strong first year with 84 students enrolled

The Center Grove Schools Board Meeting on June 19, 2025, highlighted the progress and future plans of the JROTC program, which has seen significant growth in its inaugural year. Dr. Long presented a detailed report on the program's achievements, including the enrollment of 84 students for the upcoming year, with 64 being first-year cadets. This marks a promising increase from the previous year, where the program had 48 students at its peak.

Dr. Long emphasized the program's successful engagement in various activities, including national competitions where both academic and leadership teams ranked in the top half of JROTC programs nationwide. The cadets also participated in community service projects, such as a Thanksgiving dinner and a blood drive, demonstrating their commitment to service and leadership.

Looking ahead, the program aims to expand its competitive activities and introduce new initiatives, including a Raider team and an air rifle team. Dr. Long noted the importance of increasing participation and enhancing the cadets' physical training, particularly through the establishment of an obstacle course, which he believes would significantly boost recruitment and engagement.

The board discussed the need for additional resources, including the use of an indoor pool for training and the potential hiring of more instructors as enrollment grows. Dr. Long indicated that reaching a minimum of 151 cadets would be necessary to justify hiring a third instructor, a goal the program is actively working towards.

Overall, the meeting underscored the JROTC program's positive trajectory and its commitment to fostering leadership skills among students, while also seeking support from the school board to enhance its offerings and facilities.