Wednesday, April 17, 2002
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Wednesday, April 17, 2002 |
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ROTC to return to Fayette By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sandy Creek students will get to aim high next year when the school launches an Air Force Junior ROTC program. The Fayette County School System has been on the list for several ROTC programs over the past few years but, according to Assistant Superintendent Stuart Bennett, it was hard to move up the list. Now, a letter of intent to launch the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Sandy Creek has been signed and there is a possibility that an Army Junior ROTC program for one of the schools could be launched by the next school year as well. To be accepted for these programs, schools must meet many requirements, including having at least 3,500 square feet, a designated marching area and, most importantly, interested students. By the end of three years, schools with a Junior ROTC program must have at least 120 students participating. Current students at Sandy Creek and rising eighth graders at Flat Rock were surveyed about their interest in the program and 101 students showed interest in the program. Students from other schools in the county will be able to transfer to Sandy Creek if they are interested in joining the program. The federal government provides much of the cost for the Junior ROTC programs, covering much of the cost for instructors and materials, while the school picks up any remaining costs and makes any necessary changes or additions. "This is big news," said School Board Chairman Mickey Littlefield. "ROTC and military programs have helped me throughout my whole life. They taught me, and will teach our students, valuable life skills." Word on whether or not an Army Junior ROTC program will be launched next year could come as soon as the end of the month.
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