Akins High School is a school filled with dozens of known programs that students can join, from football to NHS.
One that never truly gets the recognition that it deserves is the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, a program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces.
Many people have seen the military portrayed in movies, with extreme physical punishment, and tough training, but that’s not the whole picture of what JROTC is about.
In reality, members do so much on campus that goes unnoticed. With a 3,000-hour community service goal, members participate in Adopt-A-Highway, along with Keep Austin Beautiful. However yet no one really notices their efforts, even though they also clean the campus.
The members of JROTC love to give, which is why they participate in Operation Shoebox, which helps give gifts and other necessities to those overseas. They have a plan to send out 2 boxes per semester to troops.
After school, you’ll find members in the hallways, or the courtyard, practicing for the next football game, taking the time out of their day to be perfect, not only for themselves, but also for those attending the game.
Out of all student groups on campus, JROTC has the most consistent involvement in attending pep-rallies, holding signs and cheering on their school with such pride. And of course members are the ones kicking it off with the showing of the colors. Their dedication is truly astonishing.
I’m not saying they’re never noticed or recognized here on campus, but I believe some people don’t understand what exactly JROTC does on campus, and how members contribute. JROTC is a big force on campus, in terms of school spirit and hours of community service.
Because members operate under the “No Pass, No Play” rule, they have to keep their grades up to stay involved. This encourages members to do well academically, adding to the school’s effort to excel.
JROTC deserves more recognition from the student body at Akins High School. They’re an amazing group, and they contribute widely to the school, but their efforts go unnoticed too many.
The members of JROTC are amazing, and they deserve a little shine in every once and awhile. For a group never put in the spotlight, they deserve to have their moment as much as anyone else does.