JROTC emphasizes values of citizenship, leadership and self-discipline

Photo+credit%3A+Rene+Bantolina+

Photo credit: Rene Bantolina

Mariko Galton, Reporter

The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps  (JROTC) emphasizes the values of citizenship, leadership, personal responsibility and genuine accomplishment while increasing self-esteem and self-discipline and creating a sense of teamwork.
The JROTC program teaches young men and women cadets life skills while preparing them for future success.

College counselor, Randall Fong, said, “Sacred Hearts Academy is fortunate to have our students in the JROTC program because they become leaders in and outside of class.”

During the month of July, St. Louis School’s ROTC program was discontinued for a short while but after student and parent protests, the program was reinstated.

Senior Janelle Inao, who has been in the program for four years, said, “I was sad when St. Louis School discontinued the program because it helped make me more confident about what I want to do with my life and how to go about it.”

Inao said, “I was relieved when St. Louis brought back the program because it meant the efforts of students and parent reps persuaded the St. Louis board to keep the program.”

St. Louis School’s program became available to Academy students girls about five years ago.

Punahou’s JROTC program is another option for Academy students. Punahou’s Battalion was the first magnet program for Sacred Hearts Academy begun more than 10 years ago. Punahou’s is the oldest JROTC program in Hawaii, dating back more than 50 years.

Punahou’s Battalion includes Damien Memorial, St. Francis and Maryknoll School as well as homeschooled students.

Two years ago Academy alumna Conner Chung was Punahou’s JROTC Battalion Commander. She is currently attending Seattle University but decided not to continue the ROTC program.