January 30, 2018
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs across West Virginia were recognized today by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice with an executive proclamation naming February JROTC Month.
The Governor highlights the many benefits JROTC programs bring to West Virginia students, including preparing “students to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives by teaching personal responsibility, enhancing leadership skills, experiencing the value of teamwork, and discovering the benefits of self-confidence.”
“JROTC programs have a life-long, positive impact on the cadets that participate,” said Governor Jim Justice. “By proclaiming February JROTC Month, I want to bring attention to the incredible work of the dedicated professionals that are instructing these programs in our secondary schools across the state, and to encourage more West Virginia students to explore this wonderful opportunity that participation in JROTC provides.”
The JROTC program provides students with the skills needed to be successful in future careers or post-secondary endeavors. The JROTC program places a major focus on leadership, and cadets are expected to engage in civic and social conerns of their communities, government and society at large. The skillsets presented through the program prepares cadets to become future leaders and productive citizens of society.
“JROTC cadets graduate not only as accomplished students, but as globally-minded and responsible citizens,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Paine. “I applaud the Governor for making February JROTC Month and shining a light on this incredible program and the cadets and instructors working every day to better the Mountain State.”
Currently, more than 3,000 students in 35 high schools and career technical centers across West Virginia are enrolled in Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy JROTC units.
The JROTC program falls under the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Career Technical Education, and February is also National Career Technical Education Month®. There are currently 24,000 students in 1,200 simulated workplace companies across the state. The programs of study, including the JROTC program, provide a skill-based foundation needed for gainful employment or post-secondary education options.
The Governor’s Proclamation can be found here: https://wvde.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/JROTC-Proclamation.pdf
For additional information, contact Jessica Hall at the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications at 304-558-2699 or Jessica.Hall@k12.wv.us.