SHS to create JROTC program
Sandpoint High School has been awarded the ability to create a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in 2025-26, one of a few schools nationally awarded this distinction.
JROTC is one of the country’s largest citizenship and character development programs for young people. It’s considered an elective class, meaning students choose to take it as part of their course load. There is no military obligation, and the program is not a military preparation class. JROTC will not limit students from participating in extracurricular sports, band, student government or any other club.
SHS is hosting an informative meeting for students and parents at the library today, Jan. 9, at 3:15 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required. For additional information, contact kyle.olmstead@lposd.org or darren.svan@lposd.org.
Interested parents unable to attend Thursday’s meeting should visit the Lake Pend Oreille School District website (lposd.org) for additional information. Homeschool and any interested students in North Idaho are eligible to participate. The district plans to host another meeting for parents who are unable to attend.
Sandpoint’s program would be only the second Army JROTC program in Idaho, a state that is highly underrepresented, according to 8th Brigade located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
JROTC motivates young people through leadership opportunities, community service, physical fitness and co-curricular programs, like competitive archery, air rifle marksmanship, robotics competitions, drone technology and academic competitions. Emphasis is placed on ethics and citizenship. The program encourages students to become active citizens by participating in community service projects and learning about civic responsibility.
“If a school has good instructors, whether it’s leadership or the trust they show in the kids, it almost always comes back to that,” said Mark Pratt, chief of JROTC Operation for 8th Brigade. “Instructors really help mold kids into the people that they’re going to become.”
Students who attend JROTC have an advantage in being accepted to and nominated for our country's Service Academies; earn advanced rank if they choose to enter any of the military branches; and have an advantage in receiving college scholarships.
“They learn how to work as part of a team. They also do a lot of oral and group presentations — which they may not get in a lot of classes — and are assigned formal leadership positions,” Pratt said. “It looks very good on a high school student’s resume.”
The Army provides partial financial support for one or more certified instructors and 100% support for uniforms and equipment — air rifles, drones, robotics kits and more. Many instructors are retired military personnel or experienced leaders who serve as strong role models.
Many students enjoy the prestige that comes with being a member of a respected program. JROTC often gets recognized by schools and the broader community for its achievements, and cadets may be awarded ranks, medals, or scholarships for their hard work.
“I’m excited to see another JROTC program open in Idaho. It provides young people with a place to belong,” Pratt said.
In a congratulatory letter to SHS, Sen. Mike Crapo wrote, “JROTC programs are important for the future of our military as well as our nation's youth. At the federal level, I will continue advocating for the success of JROTC programs.”