Brought To You By Rapides Parish School Board; Written by Mary Helen Downey
The Alexandria Senior High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC program has been named a Naval Honor School, placing it among the top MCJROTC units in the nation. This prestigious distinction reflects an exceptional year of achievement in academics, competition, and community service.
The program’s commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated by the fact that over 30% of cadets maintained the A/B Honor Roll for the entire academic year. Beyond the classroom, the unit collectively contributed 743 volunteer hours across 23 community service events, showcasing their dedication to serving the Central Louisiana community.
In competitive arenas, ASH MCJROTC excelled with over 70 trophies, including state championships for both the Armed Drill Team (Blue Knights) and the Unarmed Drill Team (Phoenix). The program also successfully hosted their second annual All Service Drill Meet, coined as the “Central Louisiana Maneuvers” Drill Meet, further establishing their leadership role in the regional military education community.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Terry Hall praised not only the character of each cadet, but also the network of support that fuels their success. “It all starts with parents and guardians, followed by school administration, faculty, and staff. At times, our cadets leave campus to fulfill community service or competition commitments. It’s truly a partnership between our cadets, teachers and administration; in building on the understanding that while we aim high in service and competition, academics remain the top priority. This balance allows our cadets to enjoy a tremendously fulfilling high school journey that provides both tangible and intangible skills, ultimately shaping extremely strong young leaders.”
The Naval Honor School designation is awarded annually to MCJROTC units that demonstrate the highest standards of performance across all program areas, making this recognition a testament to the dedication of the cadets, instructors, and supporting community.
