JBSA News
Randolph
students now have opportunity to join AF JROTC
By Robert Goetz | Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs | January 21,
2015
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Randolph High School was
established more than 50 years ago, but until this year had not offered a
program that seemed a perfect fit for an institution that serves the academic
needs of students in the local military community.
Now, for the first time, Randolph High School students have an opportunity to
participate in a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.
For their last class each school day, 10 Randolph students hop on a bus for a
2-mile trip to Judson High School, where they are part of an Air Force JROTC
program that serves more than 500 cadets.
"It's exciting for us," Mark Malone, Randolph High School principal,
said. "It helps keep our military tradition alive."
Malone, who is in his second year as principal, said Randolph never offered
JROTC because its enrollment was too small to support a program.
"A school has to have 100 kids in the program, so Randolph will never have
those numbers," he said.
However, Malone, who in his first year as principal asked why the school did
not offer JROTC, discovered that Randolph could enter into a cross-town
agreement with a high school that has an existing program. He met with Judson's
principal, Jesus Hernandez III, about a year ago to discuss the possibility.
"The Judson principal was very supportive," Malone said. "He
wanted to give our kids an opportunity."
Malone soon received good news about his request.
"We were given the green light to hold serious discussions last spring, but
because of state testing and unforeseen conflicts, we were unable to meet until
the fall of this year," he said. "At that time we coordinated with
counselors, Air Force JROTC instructors, transportation and administration to
work out logistics."
After both districts signed a cross-town agreement, Randolph advertised the
opportunity to students, Malone said.
Randolph students entered the Judson JROTC program in October. Because of
scheduling issues, only 12 initially joined the program, but Malone expects
much more participation next school year.
"There was a lot of interest already, so we didn't have to do much
selling," he said. "Twenty-eight or 29 students were interested, but
only 12 were able to get their schedules changed. We will work on a more flexible
schedule next year so more kids can participate."
Jowi Escalera, a Randolph High School junior who is the highest-ranking cadet
at his school, said students are enjoying their first year in the Judson
program, which is led by retired Air Force Lt. Col. James Grace.
"It's a great program," he said. "The people at Judson take good
care of us."
Escalera is in his third year of JROTC; prior to coming to Randolph he took
part in the high school program at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where his
mother, Senior Master Sgt. Catherine Gaco-Escalera, was stationed. He is the
only junior at Randolph who is in the Judson program; two seniors, two
sophomores and five freshmen also participate.
The curriculum, which Malone said is developed by the Air Force, consists of
aerospace science, leadership, drill and the cadet health and wellness program.
Escalera said the Wednesday class is focused on leadership education while the
Friday class is dedicated to physical training.
Extracurricular activities are also important to the program, Malone said.
Students may join the JROTC unit's drill, orienteering, honor guard, rocketry
and physical fitness/spirit teams, and take part in a variety of campus and
community activities.
Randolph's main responsibility in the program is providing transportation for
its students. Cadets are issued uniforms and workbooks, provided by the Air
Force free of charge, but they are required to pay a $25 corps fee to help
offset the cost of activities throughout the year.
In addition to providing leadership opportunities, the program prepares
students for the next step in their lives, including a possible military
career.
Just as important, Escalera said, is pursuing the mission of the program, which
is to "develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and
community."
