Newsome JROTC Builds Futures

Who are our future leaders? To find out the answer to this question, we just have to look at programs such as Newsome High School’s Junior Reserve Office Training (JROTC).

The JROTC has a long, rich history in the United States, dating back to 1916 when the United States Army introduced it into high schools. In 1964 it was opened up to the other branches of the military through the Vitalization Act. Today the JROTC has an enrollment of 281,000 cadets.

The Newsome JROTC rolled out in 2006. Col. Lonnie Dale Vona is the senior army instructor at Newsome and currently leads 193 cadets. It is Vona’s mission to mold and motivate the youth of today into good citizens.

The program is open to students in grades nine to 12 and offers a multitude of benefits.

“It builds a capacity for lifelong learning, teaches students to take responsibility for their actions and choices, and be a good citizen in school, community, county and the world,” Vona said.

Besides instilling a sense of patriotism, the JROTC competes in athletic, marksmanship and drill competitions. So far, the program has produced 27 state champions.

The cadets attend leadership training and athletic team building as well as a uniform inspection once a week.

Shawn and Trevor Chirico are both members of the program. The two brothers enjoy being part of a team and feel that the program has already taught them a great deal.

Sgt. 1st Class Trevor Chirico is currently in his third year with the JROTC and believes that it is a wonderful opportunity for high school students.

“The JROTC has provided me with a great amount of leadership, confidence and teamwork skills that are valuable assets for life in general, and in the military,” he said.

PFC Shawn Chirico is a freshman at Newsome and is in his first year in the program.

"I hope to get better leadership and teamwork skills from JROTC, which will help me later in life,” he said.

In addition to the pride that comes with being part of a team, the JROTC is an excellent credential on a college application. In today’s competitive world, it is important for students to be prepared and have an extra edge when applying to college, and the JROTC can give them that.

Many cadets have gone on to earn college scholarships. Most recently Cadet Maj. Jared Peterson, Cadet Maj. Darren Yates, Cadet Capt. James Dawson and Cadet Maj. Amanda Dean of Newsome High all earned scholarships.

For more information on what the Newsome JROTC has to offer, visit its Website at http://web.mac.com/vstarlight1/JROTC/Welcome_Wolf_Battalion.html .