Meet LPS Focus Program Scholar: Chase, Lincoln Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps

Lincoln Public Schools Focus Programs are a customized high school experience rooted in connection and opportunities. 

LPS offers almost a dozen focus programs for our scholars, like Northeast High School junior Chase, to choose their journeys. 

His interest in the military sparked at an early age after seeing service members, including his own family members, in uniforms and helping the greater community at an early age. His parents encouraged him to check out the Lincoln Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program at Northeast where he met three senior cadets who inspired him to keep going. 

Read more about Chase’s AFJROTC experience in this Q&A as he is one of our featured Focus Program Scholars. 

Name: Chase

Home High School: Northeast High School 

Grade: 11

Focus Program: Lincoln Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)

Why did you choose the AFJROTC Program?

I chose JROTC because my parents wanted me to. I was originally scared because the only interactions I had with JROTC students were with the cadet staff, which at the time consisted of decorated juniors and seniors. But, those seniors welcomed us newcomers with open arms and listening ears. 

What do you like most about the AFJROTC Program?

I love the AFJROTC program within LPS for several reasons. One of them is the community that it cultivates. I know that I can go to anyone within the program for any reason and they will all help me as much as they can. It also brings me many opportunities for my future, such as scholarships, new relationships that I have gained with adults and new experiences many people my age don't get the chance to have.

What makes the AFJROTC Program different?

The AFJROTC Program is different from many of the other programs because it is a class and not a full-day program. You also have to wear a uniform at least once a week.

How do you get to explore your passions or interests at the AFJROTC Focus Program?  

You can explore your passions and the fields that interest you in several ways through JROTC. If you want, you can teach lessons, join our archery, drill or even our raider teams (workout groups). We also have several jobs that range from being the commander of your class, helping set up annual events such as our Military Ball and Awards Night, or even finding and setting up community service events for cadets to do. 

How has attending the AFJROTC Program empowered you as a student?

Attending JROTC has made me feel empowered as a student by showing me that I can achieve and do more than I thought that I could. It has also taught me countless life skills such as how to shine shoes, wear suits, set up formal events, read maps and even survival skills. 

What are your relationships with other students and staff like at the AFJROTC Focus Program?

In JROTC we are like a big family, I know that I can rely on and always go to not only my friends but also MSgt Davey. The cadets hang out with each other all of the time and set up activities every so often as bonding experiences outside of normal class time.

How has being a part of a LPS Focus Program added to your high school experience? 

JROTC has given me lifelong friends and experiences that most high schoolers don't get to experience and I will never forget. 

How has the AFJROTC Program prepared you for the future?

JROTC has helped prepare me for the future in several ways. Some of which include setting me up for scholarships and learning how to communicate with others in a much more efficient way.

 

Why are focus programs like the AFJROTC Program important to high school students?

Programs like JROTC are important for high school students because they not only help students prepare for their future, but it puts them into a place where they share with like-minded individuals that want to work together to achieve the same goal.

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned since attending the AFJROTC Program? 

The greatest thing that I have learned during my time in JROTC is that being a team and accomplishing things with a group means much more than accomplishing things by yourself. It's hard to work as a group sometimes, but being able to accomplish things with your friends and see them succeed feels much better than only you succeeding and them not. 

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about the Lincoln Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Focus Program by visiting its website at https://home.lps.org/afjrotc/.

Don’t forget also to explore LPS Focus Programs at home.lps.org/focus. 

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