Hamilton’s Navy JROTC the most awarded in region

AT A GLANCE: JROTC

While most teens in the pre-dawn hours punch their alarm’s snooze button as many times as possible, dozens of Hamilton High School students are awake and marching in precise formations in the school’s gymnasium.

Dressed in crisp military uniforms and holding themselves ram-rod straight and synchronized, the students stride and pivot to barked commands from a fellow student leader.

Minutes later they practice an “armed exhibition” — twirling, tossing and manipulating 8.5-pound rifles in a ballet of military precision.

That’s a typical morning for the 110 boys and girls of Hamilton High School’s nationally recognized Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC).

Hamilton’s Navy JROTC is the most awarded in Southeast Ohio and the only high school JROTC program in Butler County.

But to Hamilton senior Jessica Kehling, it’s also “a second family” and pathway to leadership she never imaged when she joined on a whim as a freshman.

“I needed an elective class so I tried it out. It changed me and it has taught me a sense of discipline,” said the 17-year-old JROTC Commanding Officer as she took a break from the early morning drills that last about 90 minutes.

“Now I’m able to go out there and command cadets around the entire drill floor, and I can get up and speak in front of an entire classroom without any problems,” she said.

“You have a sense of motivation in you to work hard,” said Kehling, who is among the 30 percent of JROTC female students who participate each school year.

Unlike the majority of JROTC students nationwide who don’t pursue a military career, Kehling has enlisted in the U.S. Navy and will start basic training in August after graduating from Hamilton High School in June.

The mission of JROTC programs, said retired Navy Captain Jim Allison, is not to steer teens into military careers — though some do choose that path — but to build stronger citizens who embrace discipline and leadership challenges wherever their future may lead.

“We train them in citizenship and self-discipline framed around a military structure,” said Allison, who has led Hamilton High School’s JROTC since 2009.

“They learn to think and perform under pressure. If there is a single word to describe these kids it’s dedication. Compared to many of their classmates, they are ahead of the game,” Allison said.

And already ahead at the start of the school day. JROTC members are marching through school halls toward the gymnasium by 6:05 a.m. Classes for students start at 7:55 a.m.

The unit drills twice a week and can practice as much as every morning in the weeks prior to regional and national competitions.

The JROTC’s many duties include honor guard at school sports and other events.

“The cadets are great ambassadors to the community, participating in parades and special events as they present the colors, are involved in community service, and display strong character,” said Joni Copas, spokeswoman for Hamilton City Schools.

Since its start in 2001, the Hamilton High School cadets have won several state, regional and national competitions, according to Copas.

During a recent early morning drill, JROTC Commanding Officer Noah Whitt, a senior, led a 13-minute rifle drill that included no-look throws with Whitt spinning a rifle in baton-like fashion.

“This program has given me numerous leadership skills and it has taught me how to be a better citizen and it has given me the tools to succeed in my future career,” the 18-year-old, who has enlisted in the Marine Corps, said.

Kehling echoed Whitt, saying she looks forward to the challenges, travel and opportunities opened to her through JROTC and joining the Navy.

“I wanted to be part of a unique side of the world,” she said.