For the past 10 years, Marsh teacher David Bates has headed the school’s JROTC program. He’s led the students to two consecutive national championships (2007 and 2008—plus they were runner up this year). That’s even more impressive when you consider it’s mostly been a grassroots effort, depending largely on donations and operating out of a small portable classroom.
This week, however, the JROTC will get some new and much-improved digs. Thursday there will be a 9 a.m. official grand opening of the Leadership Cadet Corps Academy on campus, and everyone is invited to come check out the new facility. This new setup will have a classroom, sewing/uniform room, and an observation deck the kids raised money for.
I spoke with a very excited Bates this morning, who tells me grand opening highlights include a traditional pass and review, honoring of local veterans, and the reading of a special letter from President George W. Bush. Students will be giving tours of the new facility from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., so if you’d like to check it out, just head to the campus’ east lawn and look for the crowd.
