Hollywood High Shutting Down 100-year-old JROTC Program
Hollywood High JROTC Cadet Color Guard presents the colors at reception for the American Legion National Commander in 2013.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif -- Hollywood High School is shuttering a program that has been developing young leaders in our city for nearly a century. The school claims that funding priorities outside of their control require them to defund this program that studies show increases high school graduation rates and makes students more successful in college. The saddening news was covered on television this week.
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps teaches leadership, organization, and citizenship and instills confidence in our young people. Hollywood Post 43 has a long history with HHS' JROTC program and have supported their activities for decades. Hollywood cadet color guards have often helped our post out with ceremonies and patriotic events. The post has funded many of their needs for equipment and travel to compete in drill competitions.
JROTC is critical in developing young people in our community, particularly underprivileged and at-risk youth. We urge Hollywood High School's administration and LAUSD to save this important program. Make JROTC a priority. If you don't, kids will suffer and our community and our nation will be weaker for it.