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Shippensburg cadets tell board JR ROTC built confidence, leadership as enrollment expands
Summary
Junior ROTC cadets told the school board the program builds leadership, social skills and physical fitness; speakers said the program grew substantially in its second year and helps students prepare for military careers or college funding pathways.
A group of Shippensburg High School junior ROTC cadets described to the school board how the program has helped them gain confidence, leadership and fitness, and said they would recommend the program to other students.
“Honestly, one of the funniest things I've ever been in,” said Todd, a cadet who described how JR ROTC pushed him out of his comfort zone and helped him become more socially confident and physically fit. He told the board the program includes regular physical training and separates instruction for NS1 and NS2 cadets; grading includes uniform, PE (25%) and academics (50%).
Joy Bank Saunders, another cadet, told the board the program had a “tremendous mental impact” and taught leadership and social skills that helped her leave her comfort zone. A third cadet described being surprised by how much fitness and social confidence the training produced and said the program helped her consider military service as a way to pay for college.
Administrators said the district has quadrupled its JR ROTC enrollment in a year and plans to continue supporting the cadets; board members praised the students’ presentations and encouraged them to recruit classmates to grow the program further.
