thedrifter
01-16-07, 11:22 AM
JROTC cadets learn to succeed in school and life
Web Posted: 01/15/2007 06:27 PM CST
Valentino Lucio
Express-News Staff Writer
The Junior ROTC program at South San Antonio High School West Campus is producing leaders. Many of the students who are involved in the program also hold leadership positions in athletics, band, student government and the honor society.
That's not all — 20 percent of the student body at the school is involved in JROTC.
"That's really good," said Junior ROTC Operations Specialist Joseph Schapatone. "That is a tremendous amount of the school's population."
In addition, 70 percent of the 117 JROTC cadets are involved in other school organizations.
"Our cadets learn how to motivate themselves and others," said Army JROTC instructor Col. Gary Sadlon. "They gain the leadership ability that allows them to excel in other organizations and in their daily lives."
South San Antonio High School West Campus is located on the Southwest Side. Teachers say that because there are fewer than 600 students at the school, they need to participate in more than one organization to ensure success for those groups. Teachers and coaches agree that this develops a group of well-rounded individuals ready for life after high school.
A recent drill shows how the JROTC program instills discipline.
The cadets of Charlie Company stand at attention, waiting for instructions from their company commander. The students, in their neatly starched uniforms and mirror-shined shoes, are ready to begin their daily marching drill.
"Right face," Corps Commander Stephen Rodriguez says in a booming voice. "Forward, march."
In unison, Charlie Company begins to march, following the cadence of Rodriguez.
"Left, left, left, right," Rodriguez says as he directs the cadets marching around the gym.
Rodriguez, a senior, is in his fourth year in JROTC and is the kicker on the varsity football team. He sees himself as a risk-taker.
"I love challenges," he said. "Being a leader on the field and in ROTC gives me the mind-set I need to overcome any challenge."
The West Campus football team finished with a 5-5 record this year, one win shy of going to the playoffs. Varsity football coach Rene Maldonado attributes their five wins to senior leadership and those who led by example, many of whom are in the JROTC program. He said he supports his students' involvement in multiple activities.
"I am not here to set limitations," Maldonado said. "I will do my best to help my players succeed."
Nick Miranda, another senior on the varsity football team and a JROTC second lieutenant, juggles more than his school activities — he also has an after-school job.
"Sometimes it's hard," he said, "but my teachers and coaches are there for me and motivate me a lot."
Varsity volleyball coach Terina Aguirre believes that it is more of a challenge for the students of West Campus to be recognized citywide because their numbers are so small, but that does not stop them from working hard.
"I attribute our success to the leadership of the (volleyball) team and the leadership of the ROTC program," said Aguirre, who coached her team to the Region IV championship this year.
Among her standouts is senior Jianna Calderon, captain of the volleyball team and second in command of the JROTC corps of cadets. Calderon believes the JROTC program gives her school recognition.
"If it wasn't for the ROTC program, no one would know West Campus," she said.
Many of the students are planning to attend college, but they don't dismiss the possibility of joining the military.
Senior Rene Almanza, the starting quarterback on the varsity football team, said he plans to attend St. Mary's University next fall on a scholarship and study physical education, but he also wants to join the Air Force or Marines after he graduates from college.
"Lots of my family was in the military," he said. "I've always wanted to be a soldier."
While some students see college as a starting point for a career in the military, others choose to take the lessons they have learned and apply them in other areas.
"We understand we're becoming adults and school is not a game," junior Yadira Torres said. "Real life is around the corner."
Torres, who is a JROTC captain, a member of National Honor Society and a cross country runner, said she believes the leadership skills she has learned in JROTC will help her focus on her dream of becoming a doctor. She said she is not interested in joining the military.
Regardless of whether JROTC students choose to go into the military, teachers say the lessons they learn will stay with them throughout life.
"ROTC is a citizenship mission," Sadlon said. "The students are involved in many community service activities. We provide opportunities that appeal to all types of students."
vlucio@express-news.net
Web Posted: 01/15/2007 06:27 PM CST
Valentino Lucio
Express-News Staff Writer
The Junior ROTC program at South San Antonio High School West Campus is producing leaders. Many of the students who are involved in the program also hold leadership positions in athletics, band, student government and the honor society.
That's not all — 20 percent of the student body at the school is involved in JROTC.
"That's really good," said Junior ROTC Operations Specialist Joseph Schapatone. "That is a tremendous amount of the school's population."
In addition, 70 percent of the 117 JROTC cadets are involved in other school organizations.
"Our cadets learn how to motivate themselves and others," said Army JROTC instructor Col. Gary Sadlon. "They gain the leadership ability that allows them to excel in other organizations and in their daily lives."
South San Antonio High School West Campus is located on the Southwest Side. Teachers say that because there are fewer than 600 students at the school, they need to participate in more than one organization to ensure success for those groups. Teachers and coaches agree that this develops a group of well-rounded individuals ready for life after high school.
A recent drill shows how the JROTC program instills discipline.
The cadets of Charlie Company stand at attention, waiting for instructions from their company commander. The students, in their neatly starched uniforms and mirror-shined shoes, are ready to begin their daily marching drill.
"Right face," Corps Commander Stephen Rodriguez says in a booming voice. "Forward, march."
In unison, Charlie Company begins to march, following the cadence of Rodriguez.
"Left, left, left, right," Rodriguez says as he directs the cadets marching around the gym.
Rodriguez, a senior, is in his fourth year in JROTC and is the kicker on the varsity football team. He sees himself as a risk-taker.
"I love challenges," he said. "Being a leader on the field and in ROTC gives me the mind-set I need to overcome any challenge."
The West Campus football team finished with a 5-5 record this year, one win shy of going to the playoffs. Varsity football coach Rene Maldonado attributes their five wins to senior leadership and those who led by example, many of whom are in the JROTC program. He said he supports his students' involvement in multiple activities.
"I am not here to set limitations," Maldonado said. "I will do my best to help my players succeed."
Nick Miranda, another senior on the varsity football team and a JROTC second lieutenant, juggles more than his school activities — he also has an after-school job.
"Sometimes it's hard," he said, "but my teachers and coaches are there for me and motivate me a lot."
Varsity volleyball coach Terina Aguirre believes that it is more of a challenge for the students of West Campus to be recognized citywide because their numbers are so small, but that does not stop them from working hard.
"I attribute our success to the leadership of the (volleyball) team and the leadership of the ROTC program," said Aguirre, who coached her team to the Region IV championship this year.
Among her standouts is senior Jianna Calderon, captain of the volleyball team and second in command of the JROTC corps of cadets. Calderon believes the JROTC program gives her school recognition.
"If it wasn't for the ROTC program, no one would know West Campus," she said.
Many of the students are planning to attend college, but they don't dismiss the possibility of joining the military.
Senior Rene Almanza, the starting quarterback on the varsity football team, said he plans to attend St. Mary's University next fall on a scholarship and study physical education, but he also wants to join the Air Force or Marines after he graduates from college.
"Lots of my family was in the military," he said. "I've always wanted to be a soldier."
While some students see college as a starting point for a career in the military, others choose to take the lessons they have learned and apply them in other areas.
"We understand we're becoming adults and school is not a game," junior Yadira Torres said. "Real life is around the corner."
Torres, who is a JROTC captain, a member of National Honor Society and a cross country runner, said she believes the leadership skills she has learned in JROTC will help her focus on her dream of becoming a doctor. She said she is not interested in joining the military.
Regardless of whether JROTC students choose to go into the military, teachers say the lessons they learn will stay with them throughout life.
"ROTC is a citizenship mission," Sadlon said. "The students are involved in many community service activities. We provide opportunities that appeal to all types of students."
vlucio@express-news.net