District 186 students now have the opportunity to enter Junior ROTC. Superintendent Jennifer Gill says discussions with the government began before the pandemic.

“This connects us specifically – so, as we look at capstone experiences, like with our Advanced Placement programs and what our students can do next, this is a great precursor for students who might have interest in trying to get a military academy appointment,” explained Lance Thurman, District 186’s executive director of secondary programs and planning.”

He said JROTC is separate and distinct from military recruiting, as the former is by choice and emphasizes choice and leadership.

“It’s hard to get these programs,” added Gill, saying JROTC had been available in just six districts in the southern two-thirds of Illinois.