JROTC Cadets Teach Junior Achievement to Local Grade School Students

December 21, 2023

The Raider Brigade sent 260 cadets off to Highland, The Heights, and Hazel Park Elementary schools this week to teach the elementary school Junior Achievement curriculum.

Cadets had the opportunity to put much of what they learn in JROTC class and lab into action, working in small teams of 4 to 7. Col. Scrocca, Senior Army Instructor at CDH, explained that "Cadets must exercise good leadership, responsibility, organization, project and time management, lesson planning, communication, flexibility, and public speaking in both their preparation and in the classroom." 

The Junior Achievement curriculum is centered around teaching elementary kids the basics of knowing themselves, their families, their community, their city, their region, and their nation. They look at how first responders interact in the community and how people learn to work, earn money, run businesses, and be a part of the fabric of our country. “It is important for the young people to be aware of ways they can make a difference in their community.” said Bridget Bower ‘26, one of the JROTC Cadets. Luke Hilger ‘26, another Cadet, added “JA provides an opportunity for kids to learn important life skills in new ways.”

The day is about more than academics, though. It is also an opportunity for the Cadets to get to know and have fun with the children. “My favorite part of the day was getting to bond with all of the children and creating connections with them,” said Hamelat Zerihun ‘25. Grace McSherry ‘25 enjoyed this part of it as well, saying that her “favorite part of the day is going to lunch/recess and getting to play and talk with the kids.”

As the Cadets get promoted within the JROTC, their roles and responsibilities keep changing, with some of the older students being assigned their own teams. “I think JA is a great experience for the cadets and the students,” said James Summers ‘25, “and I look forward to leading a group next year!"