Approval received… EHS receives notice of approval for National Defense Cadet Corps
Published 4:41 pm Friday, May 22, 2020
Photo Contributed Travis Thompson has worked behind the scenes in getting the approval for EHS to have a JNROTC program at the high school.
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FROM STAFF REPORTS
Elizabethton City School System is happy to announce the Department of Navy’s approval to establish a National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) unit, also known as the NJROTC program for Elizabethton High School.
EHS has been assigned a mentor, Volunteer High School Instructor Major Steven Bickford, to assist with creating and establishing the program.
Currently, the ECS Board is evaluating the budget for the possibility to begin the program in the fall of 2020, with the discussion being revisited during the June ECS board meeting.
Travis Thompson, the Secondary Supervisor for ECS, stated, “I would like to personally thank Major Bickford for his help and guidance on acquiring materials and uniforms for the EHS program.
“I know this opportunity for the school system will be a valuable investment that our community will support. Military service runs deep in the blood of our community,” Thompson continued. “The program also enhances a positive image of the military in the eyes of the community.
“I have been reaching out to current and potential community partners for support, whether it be for facility use or acquiring additional materials needed to start the program in Fall 2020.”
The benefits of the program will promote patriotism, develop responsible leaders and citizens, encourage completion of high school, promote higher education, and a high degree of honor, discipline, and leadership skills.
ECS has a ninety-day window after the letter dated April 15, 2020, to respond to the Naval Service Training Command on their plans to begin the program.
The course offerings include citizenship, naval orientation, history, operations, navigation, seamanship, leadership, nautical astronomy, electronics, ceremony, and physical fitness.
If a student successfully completes three years of the program and decides to enlist after high school into a military branch, they are eligible for advanced promotion.
The achievement also authorizes the instructor to nominate the candidate for the US Naval Academy.
Please contact Travis Thompson at travis.thompson@ecschools.net or by phone at 423-547-8000, Ext. 8227 for more information on ways to become a community partner.
