WORCESTER—Members of the Worcester School Committee are calling for a renewed focus and expansion of the district’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs.
The school committee at its last meeting voted unanimously to recommend administration examine the possibility of bringing a new Army JROTC program to the district. Member Alex Guardiola led the motion. Several other committee members voiced support, recalling the history of JROTC units in Worcester and the role they’ve played in helping students become more disciplined and engaged members of the community.
Guardiola touted the benefits of JROTC programs not only for the teens who choose to join, but also how they help create an overall better sense of community for schools. He praised the programs as effective ways to encourage and educate students to be better leaders and roll models providing them the tools to succeed in their future endeavors.
“Students who participate in Junior ROTC learn essential life skills – discipline, teamwork, time management, and personal responsibility,” Guardiola said. “These are qualities that set them apart, not only in the classroom but also in their future careers whether they choose college, military, or the work force. Even for those who never enter the military, the program provides a network of mentors, roll models, and opportunities that last a lifetime.”
Worcester currently has two active JROTC programs: a Navy unit at North High School and an Air Force unit at South High School. Burncoat High previously hosted an Air Force program as well. Several committee members supported the idea of expanding these programs and reviving lost units, echoing Guardiola’s praise for JROTC’s role in fostering personal growth, patriotism, and leadership among local students.
Former superintendent and South High principal Maureen Binienda recalled that during her tenure, as many as 100 students participated in JROTC at South, making what she described as a meaningful difference in the community. She successfully added a motion urging the district to explore restoring programs once offered at other high schools.
Committee member Dianna Biancheria highlighted JROTC’s role in connecting students to civic life, pointing to their participation in Memorial Day parades, which she said has waned over the years.
“It’s a proud moment when our students are there and able to participate, and North High’s program has fallen short,” said Biancheria. “Unfortunately, over the last couple years it did not have a teacher. I spoke with the veterans president at the time in the city and he had a couple of appointments with our former superintendent and I would stand here encouraging our new superintendent to sit down and have a meeting – It is quite an honor to have our kids participate in some of the programs that this has enabled them to be part of.”
The Army’s JROTC program offsets some expenses by reimbursing schools for part of instructor salaries and supplying uniforms and equipment. To qualify, at least 10 percent of a school’s student body — or 100 students, whichever is lower — must be enrolled.
Jason Bleau, a seasoned reporter from Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, has over 11 years of news media experience. He has worked as a news anchor for WINY 1350 AM, contributed to Stonebridge Press publications, and covered racing as a Press Box coordinator at Thompson Speedway. Outside journalism, he is a movie enthusiast, freelance film reviewer, banker, and solo musician. He can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com
