At Nixa High School, students are currently participating in the military-style class called Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). The class helps students develop leadership skills, gain a sense of citizenship and more.

Freshman Angela Tan said she loves being in JROTC because she likes the teamwork, and the people in it are fun to work with.

“It builds a sense of teamwork, and it’s really fun to hang out with people in that class,” Tan said.

When these students participate in JROTC, they form a stronger bond with their classmates. Because they are always working together, conversing often leads to friendships and strong teamwork.

“JROTC is really fun, I love rifles, and I love running with the team,” Tan said.

During their practices, the JROTC students go out and run, practice with rifles and other activities. This improves their physical strength, skills and builds citizenship for the members.

Senior Zachariah Prater, who has been in the program for four years, said JROTC has given him benefits in his personal life.

“I’ve improved my physical endurance strength, and I’ve obtained a few national awards inside the program, some from the American Legion and some from just being in Raiders,” Prater said.

The students who are involved in the class usually benefit from this, as it helps them be stronger mentally and physically. It can also win some awards because the JROTC career can lead to military and or good scholarships.

“I feel like it’s a safe environment because the teacher, Colonel Cook, will keep [students] accountable for their actions inside and outside of the class,” Prater said.

Students say that the environment of JROTC is a safe environment, because everyone there is competing together when practicing their drills, and they all treat each other with respect. Brennan Cook makes it so they are having fun but still hard working and disciplined. Students who want to join the class can join at the beginning of every school year.