It’s a significant “first” for a group of Greenville High School students.

The recent selection of officers and staff members of the high school’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Program (NJROTC) became official, and GHS students have the honor of being the schools’ first in this unique course.

Several years ago, Greenville ISD applied to the Naval Service Training Command and was selected for a NJROTC Program for the 2009/2010 school year.  At present, 92 students are enrolled in the program.

Currently there are 650 NJROTC programs throughout the United States and the Navy plans to establish a total strength of 700 programs by 20012.  Instructors are retired Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel.

At GHS, the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) is Lieutenant Commander James G. Reed, USN and the Naval Science instructor (NSI) is MSgt Clifford K. Turner, USMC.

The program’s mission – which closely aligns with similar goals at GHS – is to “instill in students the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.”

"This course exemplifies the winning teamwork and positive environment we want to see daily at GHS," said Heath Jarvis, GHS principal.

While some students are taking the course as an elective or P.E. credit, others choose to be involved as they have military careers in their secondary school plans.

"I want to be a Navy nurse, I want to study with the Navy for my degree,” said GHS student Savannah Woodman.  “This course gives me a head start on my career goals.”

The United States Navy provides textbooks, curriculum guides, audio-visual equipment, training materials, computers and uniforms, which the cadets wear weekly throughout the school year.  The unit will also receive equipment to support drill teams, color guards, marksmanship and orienteering (land navigation) teams.

Additionally funds are provided by the Navy to help support orientation trips and field meets for unit members.

The NJROTC program is one of the most unique and interesting programs offered to high school students.  The curriculum includes numerous courses from specific naval courses, career planning, citizenship, ethics, history, leadership, geography, oceanography, aeronautical science and national security.  GHS will begin with a Naval Science I course and each year build to four courses - Naval Science I, II, III and IV.

Each course has subjects based on the students’ high school level and what is needed at their stage in high school.  The weekly schedule includes academics, uniform inspection and formation, drill, marksmanship training and physical training.

GHS Officers (Position, Name, Rank)
Company Commander - Korey Lincoln  CDR
Executive Officer - Parker Francis  LCDR
Operations Officer - Zachary McClellen  LT
Supply Officer - Norma Ramirez  LTJG
Administrative Officer - Savanna Woodman  LTJG
Training Officer - Marlene Archila  LTJG
Public Affairs - Daniel Dennis  LTJG
Asst. PAO - Joanna Rico  ENS
1st Plt. Leader - Charles Wensel  ENS
2nd Plt. Leader - Terry Hudson  ENS
3rd Plt. Leader - Carlos Torres  ENS
Company Chaplain - Lachandra Horton  ENS
Physical Training Officer - Durant Freeman  ENS
Armory Officer - Jason Priddy  ENS
Color Guard Commander - Joshua Miller  ENS
Drill Team Commander - Griselda Osornio  ENS
Rifle Team Commander - Dakota Nicholson  ENS
Orienteering Team CDR - Zachariah Eye  ENS
Academic Team CDR - Jason Colwell  ENS
Company Master Chief - Jeremy Gathright  MCPO
Operations Chief - Courtlyn Williams  SCPO
Supply Chief - Gisele Archila  SCPO
Admin Chief - Rachel Tanner  SCPO
Training Chief - Candice Hawkins  PO2
1st Plt. Chief - Jay Walden  CPO
2nd Plt. Chief - Jacob Phillips  CPO
3rd Plt. Chief - Douglas Skinner  CPO
Asst. PTO - William Francey  CPO
Asst. Armory Officer - Christian Canady  CPO
Asst. Color Guard - Jose Perez  CPO
Asst. Drill Team CDR - Jeffery Bethel  CPO
Asst. Rifle Team CDR - Michel Magalenom  CPO
Asst. Orienteering - Raul Castillo  CPO
Asst. Academic - Tyler King  CPO
Company Guidon - Luis Ramirez  SCPO

This article originally appeared in LionLedger.com, the online student newspaper that serves Greenville High School.  Contributing writer was Daniel Dennis, a LionLedger staff member and communications officer for the GHS NJROTC Program.