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Deep inside the Chapman Vocational Building on the campus of Holmes High School in Covington resides a great tradition of academic and military learning.

“The concept of Junior ROTC is very much about preparing students for making good choices and getting prepared for what is next after high school,” said Major Paul Wilson, a retired Marine who has led the Holmes program for nine years. “Even if they only do one year they have the desire to perform, they will become more organized, more capable, and more mentally aware for a better GPA.”

Major Wilson teaches his students (RCN)

Earlier this month, the Holmes program attended and competed at the Appalachian Championship Regional ROTC Olympics. The team scored multiple awards including first place in physical fitness, second place for rifle, fourth for academics, and eighth for drill. 

The champion physical fitness team’s captain is Tyler Stroud, 17, a junior at the school. “It was something I always wanted to do but never had the opportunity at other schools,” Stroud said. He previously attended high schools in his native Texas before moving to Covington with his family. After ROTC and high school, Stroud will join the Army. He’s attracted to the chance at free college tuition and the training opportunities. 

“It was tough at first but my team came together at the end,” Stroud said of his time at the competition in Tennessee. 

Major Wilson oversees a program that requires its students to dress in uniform on Thursdays. They attend class and the first thing on the agenda is military-style uniform inspection. The year-long course focuses on citizenship, personal growth & responsibility, physical training, military science, and leadership. The number of females joining up is growing. 

Uniforms awaiting new students at Holmes (RCN)

“This is highly unusual for me,” Wilson said, noting that 23 girls are in the program this year, representing about 40 percent of the students. “The females tend to drop the program due to peer pressure, but I have some strong girls this year and haven’t had any new girls drop.”

Wilson and Stroud see Holmes, which competed in Tennessee for the first time, heading to the competition on an annual basis. The JROTC program at Holmes started in 1984 and is the only Marine ROTC in the region.

-Michael Monks, editor & publisher

Top photo: Tyler Stroud (RCN)