August 28, 2015

 

 

 

 

Of the approximately 250 schools throughout the nation, only ten percent of Marine Corps JROTC programs received this recognition. The Granbury unit was one of only a few in the 55-school region selected for the honor.

 

“We are very proud of the cadet’s hard work and dedication and would also like to thank all teachers, staff, and administrators at the ninth grade center and high school for the outstanding support and involvement with the cadets,” commented Lt. Col. Scott Casey, the Senior Marine Instructor.

 

The selection was based on several criteria, including cadet citizenship, the percentage of cadets involved in student government organizations, the number of cadets active in school activities and clubs, the number of community service hours for the unit as a whole and per cadet, the number of organizations assisted by the unit, and scholastic achievements including the number of academic awards and scholarships given to cadets. The units were also measured by participation in public affairs events, drill team competitions, rifle team competitions, physical fitness team competitions, and field trips.

 

Because of this prestigious status, the GHS unit will have the opportunity to send nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the Military Academy at West Point. The award also provides students who have a desire to join a service academy the significant advantage of earning recommendation letters from their JROTC instructors who, under this award designation, carry just as much weight as a letter from a U.S. Representative or Senator.

 

Instructors for the JROTC program are Lt. Col. Casey and First Sergeant Johnny Rositas.

 

Pictured above, four Granbury cadets present the colors during the first pep rally of the school year on August 28.