MHS Calls On MMA for JROTC Assistance
Missouri Military Academy will play an active role in Mexico High School’s quest to add a JROTC program to its curriculum. Mexico High School Principal Dr. Terry Robinson says the district’s students have never had an opportunity to fully participate in an official JROTC program before. He says his support for potentially bringing JROTC to Mexico High stems from his observations of the program during his time at Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Mo.
He says implementing JROTC into the curriculum at Mexico High School will provide another outlet for area students.
“Students value structure and we believe that the program and its message will translate into something positive for young people,” Robinson said. “These are ideas and values we believe can be transmitted at the high school level."
Mexico High School freshman Amber Allison receives introductory information from MMA JROTC Instructor SGM Henry Suddarth. Allison, along with 14 other MHS students, began their JROTC training Tuesday.
Robinson and Mexico Public Schools Superintendent Tina Woolsey contacted MMA president MajGen Robert M. Flanagan this summer about what MMA could possibly do to help.
“We suggested to Dr. Robinson and Superintendent Woolsey that we ‘train the trainers’ by allowing some number of their students to come to our school to start the program – not so much where they go through MMA JROTC, but rather to train them and help them understand the process,” Flanagan said. “That way, when the program is approved, they would go back with a year or two of experience and would be able to train new members.”
Perhaps the greatest obstacle to getting that program started is a long and arduous application process. Robinson says the school district submitted its application about six months ago, but it could be as long as 36 months before Army officials give their approval. Until then, MMA JROTC Instructor SGM Henry Suddarth will train a group of 15 students who have signed up for the program.
Robinson and Flanagan both say they are very pleased to begin the partnership, and are hopeful the program is approved as quickly as possible.
Robinson says students from other school districts in Audrain County may also be invited to participate.