What if you could perfectly set yourself up for your future while you were still in high school? Students in West Valley’s JROTC program are building their future every day. These students are learning leadership skills, earning big scholarships, and getting ready for what comes next.  Phenomenally, this last year, 17 graduates from West Valley schools walked away with full-tuition scholarships from their preparation in the JROTC program. Together, that's over $2 million in support for their future plans.

What Is JROTC?

JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. But Colonel Bryan James, who leads the program at West Valley High School, wants families to know one important thing: "It's not a military program, but a public service program."

West Valley’s JROTC program provides fun, hands-on experiences where students learn real skills both inside and outside of the classroom. Colonel James stresses that JROTC students get to have fun while also learning important skills like leadership, teamwork, and building strong relationships.  

Through JROTC, students can earn PE credits, fine arts credits, and social studies credits, with some classes articulated for dual credits so that students can earn college credits while they are still in high school. Students can also get certified in First Aid, CPR, drone flying, archery, and hunter safety.

Real Students, Real Results

The West Valley Class of 2025 showed what JROTC can do. Here are just a few of their stories.

-Seth Kangas completed basic training while still in high school. He earned a 3-year Army ROTC scholarship to the University of Portland to study Mechanical Engineering, worth over $319,000. That includes pay, a monthly stipend, and a book allowance.

-Lydia Cook received 100% tuition assistance through the Army National Guard.

-Sammie Medina received 100% tuition assistance and $67,285 for an E2 on active duty, including housing, food, and zero cost for medical expenses. 

-Paul Lally earned a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship to Montana State University for Engineering, along with full GI Bill tuition assistance.

-Anthony Davis was accepted into the US Navy Nuclear Program and earned college credits through MIT, plus a $75,000 bonus.

-Cam Edwards graduated early to finish all military training before heading to the University of Portland for their Political Science ROTC program. Cam's full package was worth over $319,000.

Other 2025 graduates include Cole Braswell, Dylan Quenzer, Brodie Klang, Jaeger Hixon-Stuart, Braden Taylor Kent, Justin Overholt, Erick Vargas, Gustavo Ceniceros, Bryan Centeno Ayala, Aiden Wick, and Tai Daren Nguyen — all receiving full GI Bill tuition assistance.  These recent graduates from West Valley received scholarships from all branches of the military - even the Space Force!

Skills For a Lifetime

JROTC cadets learn about service to others and values such as integrity, loyalty, and selfless service.  They build soft skills like patience, trust, and effective communication skills. And they hone skills in archery, marksmanship, drone flying, color guard, and obstacle courses. The biggest event of the year? A spring leadership camp in Oregon where cadets rappel, navigate, and push themselves to new limits. Recently, cadets traveled to Reno, Nevada, for the Regional 8th Brigade Army JROTC Drone Meet and Competition. None of this happens without great teachers. Colonel Bryan James and Master Sergeant Greg Bynum care for every cadet and serve as mentors for students at every secondary school. Their dedication helps West Valley students reach their full potential.

The JROTC program is open to any student who wants to grow. You do not need to join the military. You just need to show up and try. As Colonel James puts it, cadets get a chance to "build their resume for life."

Visit https://hs.wvsd208.org/jrotc to learn more about JROTC and all that the West Valley School District offers to help you find your future after high school.