By Clair Jordan
mail@floridanewsline.com

Bartram Trail High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps FL-20061 ended last year on a high note when they were awarded the Outstanding Organization Award. This year, before school even started, group commanders were busy planning for the upcoming year and the arrival of 62 new cadets to the program.

The year kicked off with a three-day boot camp. Cadets rotated through stations that introduced them to all aspects of participating in JROTC, such as wearing the official uniform, physical training and basic drill routines. On the third day, cadets participated in the Leadership Reaction Course at Camp Blanding and finished with a promotion ceremony where they earned the rank of Airman First Class.

Advertise in our May Issue The Creek Line

Cadets are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities as well as providing service to the community all while maintaining good grades. In addition to a service project of their choice, cadets participate in Adopt a Road cleanup and direct parking at school events. In addition, cadets set annual goals to serve within their Air Force JROTC unit, school and community. Two color guard teams often attend community events for flag ceremonies and march annually in the St. Augustine Veterans Day Parade.

A variety of Air Force JROTC sponsored extracurricular activities are offered. The Kitty Hawk Air Society is a national Air Force JROTC academic honor society that recognizes academic and military achievement by cadets, provides additional leadership/educational opportunities, and encourages excellence. Cadets also have the opportunity to audition for Bartram Trail’s award winning drill and color guard teams as well as Orienteering, Raider Team and the flight simulator club.

Bartram Trail’s Air Force JROTC currently serves 168 cadets under the leadership of senior Aerospace Science instructor Lieutenant Colonel Antone LeFevre and Aerospace Science instructor Master Sergeant Harold Miles.

 

Photo courtesy Clair Jordan

Cadets of the Bartram Trail High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

  • Advertise in our May Issue The Creek Line