Spokane Schools To Begin Junior Rotc Program

Thu., Jan. 27, 2000

By Wendy Harris wendyh@spokesman.com

Spokane high school students interested in getting a head start on a military career will have their chance beginning next school year.

Rogers High School has been selected to host an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program - an elective aerospace science program for high school students.

Though the program will be held at Rogers, it will be open to all high school students within Spokane School District 81.

Rogers was chosen to host the program since a larger number of Rogers students traditionally choose military careers, said District 81 Superintendent Gary Livingston.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for students who are looking into the military as a career,” Livingston said. “It’s an exciting alternative program for some kids.”

In addition to teaching students fundamentals in aerospace science, the program also works to train student cadets in leadership, promote community service and instill responsibility, character and self-discipline.

The program will admit up to 100 students, who will attend about two ROTC classes each school day. Two retired Air Force officers will be hired by the Air Force to head the Rogers program.

The ROTC curriculum, which covers math, science and social studies, will be merged with District 81’s curriculum to ensure students are taught the state’s essential academic learning requirements, Livingston said.

District 81 has been on a waiting list for nearly three years to get the program. Congress recently approved funding to start an additional 336 Air Force Junior ROTC programs in the country, which will bring the total to 945 worldwide.

Lt. Col. Jimmie Varnado, chief of the Air Force Junior ROTC program, said participating students have much to gain, whatever career path they choose.

“We focus on a model of building better citizens for America,” said Varnado, who is based at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. “The program is not for everyone, but for those who want to be a part of it, it teaches great self-discipline and helps kids develop self-confidence.”

Student cadets who complete at least three years in the Junior ROTC program and join the Air Force immediately after high school are eligible to enter at two pay grades higher than other enlistees. In addition, cadets who go on to college may receive special consideration for Air Force ROTC scholarships.

This sidebar appeared with the story: FAST FACTS Where to call

For more information about the Air Force Junior ROTC program, call Rogers High School Principal Wallace Williams at 354-6600 or District 81 Northeast Area Director Larry Parsons at 354-5967.

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