Battle Ground High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program has been recognized as a “Distinguished Unit with Merit,” singled out as one of the top 20 percent among more than 900 junior ROTC units nationwide.
Run by Col. Brian Brown and assisted by Chief Master Sgt. Chuck Shannon, the school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps had twice previously earned a “Distinguished” rating.
This time, it snared a special “with Merit” ranking by racking up impressive accomplishments.
The program achieved the largest enrollment in school history, with 115 students in grades 9 through 12, an increase of 42 percent since 2009. Participants have surpassed community service hours and support goals, shone during inspections and exceeded fitness standards, organized a productive canned food drive, and represented BGHS at community events.
Students in the ROTC program complete a mix of aerospace science academic courses and leadership education courses.
The unit will be on display again during the annual Pass-in-Review ceremony that includes both Battle Ground and Prairie high school ROTC units, set for noon May 23 at District Stadium.
