By Nicholas Allen | December 15, 2020
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ JROTC programs are currently participating in the 10th annual iteration of a book study program that ties community engagement to global perspectives as cadets explore the world and their role within it. With 20 JROTC programs established in CMS high schools, over 3000 cadets have the opportunity to develop strong leadership qualities and experience the traditions of JROTC service. The book study program, which includes a public service project, is well-suited to facilitate this personal and community growth. “Cadets take ownership of the learning experience, and many of the service projects from previous years remain ongoing service projects for the JROTC battalions,” noted Roxanne Friday, a high school curriculum specialist at CMS schools, “From organizing voter registrations, creating community gardens in food scarce neighborhoods, to running literacy programs for their feeder elementary and middle schools, these cadets exemplify what is best about our society. The pride they take in improving their community is inspiring.” That pride is well-earned since a large part of the program is led by the cadets themselves.
The program consists of an annual book study headed up by a team of no more than seven cadets who volunteer to lead their battalions in the study and related service project. The independently-developed service projects are then presented at area competitions, and the four area winners compete at a final showdown. “Let me reiterate that participation is voluntary and extracurricular,” emphasized Friday, who also coordinates the competition, “Cadets spend their own time studying, preparing and organizing the service component and the presentations.” Aside from serious bragging rights, each of the top four teams receives a trophy for their school’s JROTC trophy case and a medallion necklace of their own. Placement in this competition also effects a school’s standing in the CMS Superintendent’s Cup. Students take a great deal of pride in their work for the competition. “It is clearly a testament to the power of agency and voice,” remarked Friday. As platform for developing agency and voice, the book study program also reinforces wider worldviews and excellence in personal character. “We always look for a book that showcases the values of leadership in the JROTC curriculum: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage,” explained Friday, “We also try to find a book with a global perspective.” The book chosen this year, You Are Worth It, tells the story of Kyle Carpenter, a Medal of Honor winner who embodies these values.
The book study was designed to be an academic component of the Superintendent’s Cup for JROTC cadets, but organizers were surprised to discover the power of a good book and a thought-provoking prompt asking how they could give back to the community. “Our cadets have certainly risen to the challenge each year,” said Friday, “I truly think it shows what is possible when we design learning experiences that provide choice, agency and relevance.”
On December 9, the top four finalists will present their projects to a panel of judges in a virtual final. The panel of judges comprises education specialists, community members, business professionals and district administrators. UNC World View director Charlé LaMonica is a perennial member of the judging panel. The finalists are required to craft a polished and professional presentation that identifies their own personal goals and values, highlights the work of the JROTC cadets at their school in applying You Are Worth It to their community, and connects the message of the book to JROTC core values.
This year’s book study and service projects were especially challenging due to the demands of working and studying remotely, but Friday expressed how impressively they had risen to the task.”
“CMS Chief Academic Officer Brian Schultz, once said that ‘the cadets exemplified a true 21st century student, showing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, independent thought, true collaboration, ingenuity, and resilience,'” expounded Friday. There’s no doubt that these qualities will have lasting implications in the lives of the JROTC students who so diligently develop them through programs like this.
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You can view the video of the winning team from Butler High School below.