Leading Quietly: Meet Battalion Commander Keira Rodriguez

Keira Rodriguez describes herself as reserved. She is not usually the loudest voice in the room. But this year, she is the top student-leader in the JROTC program at West Valley High School.

Keira is a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and serves as the Ram Battalion Commander. Cadets in the battalion serve as officers and noncommissioned officers. The Ram Battalion includes all JROTC cadets at the high school, and as commander, Keira helps lead the group.

Keira's JROTC journey started early. She joined the junior high cadet program in the eighth grade and has stayed with it ever since. Over the years, JROTC has helped her grow both in and out of school. 

"The leadership skills that I have learned have helped me with discipline, responsibilities, and social interactions with new people,” Keira says. “I feel like the new skills I’ve learned are helping me work better with people who have different ideas and perspectives.” 

Keira says her favorite part of JRTOC is the people, so her new skills in making connections may just end up being her superpower. Keira says she also enjoys rifle marksmanship, fitness training, and Raider competitions, where teams take on tough physical challenges together.

Keira’s physical training has paid off. Last year, she took first place in female physical fitness at a two-state JROTC championship in Salem, Oregon.

Outside of JROTC, Keira's world centers on family. She paints, cooks, and bakes with her grandma, goes to the shooting range with her dad, watches movies with her mom, and makes trips to Dairy Queen with her grandpa.

“After graduation, I plan to study at Central Washington University to become a teacher,” says Keira. “I plan to join Army ROTC in college and serve in the National Guard to help pay for school. One day, I hope to teach high school.”

Her advice for younger students thinking about JROTC is simple.  She says, "It's a great experience, and it's definitely worth it.”

Keira's story is a great example of what the WVSD Strategic Plan is all about: students who feel connected, build real skills, and have a clear path after high school. It also shows the WVSD Culture of Excellence at work every day.

For WV Rams, JROTC is a place where quiet students can become strong leaders. Students like Keira make West Valley Schools stronger and help shape the future of our community.

West Valley School District is proud of Keira and all the cadets leading the Ram Battalion this year.