CTE Month Spotlight: Hanford High's JROTC Program

February is Career & Technical Education month! Join us as we share stories about our wonderful programs, teachers and students!

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Hanford High School’s U.S. Army Junior ROTC program kicked off this school year thanks to the hard work and leadership of two Army Instructors, local veterans and the district’s former and current CTE directors.

With more than 50 years of combined active duty, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Calzadillas and Master Sergeant Kurt Baumgarten lead the new program with the same dedication and drive they demonstrated as soldiers. They are passionate about serving students and pushing them to reach their highest potential.

The mission of JROTC is “to motivate young people to be better citizens” and that is exactly what is happening within the program’s classrooms and beyond. The first-year curriculum focuses heavily on leadership skills, as well as peer relationship building, personal accountability, decision-making, communication, and other important life skills that benefit students now and in the future.

“JROTC programs give students real-world experience, while still in the safety of a high school setting,” said Master Sergeant Kurt Baumgarten. “The program gives them a chance to try new things and make mistakes while continuing to learn and grow.”

From the beginning of the year, students–referred to as cadets once they are issued a uniform–take turns being class leader and reviewing the weekly schedule. Each cadet snaps to attention when called by the day’s leader and respectfully acknowledges and responds to their peers. Cadets who were once nervous standing in the front of the class and speaking publicly now lead the class with confidence.

While great things are happening during class time, the character development extends well beyond the hours of the school day. Cadets have the opportunity to participate in afterschool co-curricular activities such as Raider and Drill team competitions, Color Guard, Air Rifle and Drone challenges, and more. From day one, cadets learn to rely on each other and work as a team, quickly forming strong bonds.

“It’s great to see cadets helping each other out,” said Lieutenant Colonel Calzadillas. “They really root for each other.”

Hanford’s JROTC program has been busy in its’ first six months of existence. The cadets hosted a JROTC Raider competition, where HHS took first place in the Male and Mixed categories. They also competed in two Air Rifle matches and will compete in their second drill meet on February 22 at Kennewick High School. Additionally, their color guard has performed at a Tri-City Dust Devils game and at every home Hanford football and basketball game.

All students are welcome to sign-up for the JROTC elective, offered all four years of high school, and joining the class does not obligate students to enlist for military service after graduation. In fact, most of the cadets have no military aspirations but enjoy the camaraderie and personal growth the program offers.

Nationally, JROTC programs are offered in more than 1,700 high schools and military institutions, collectively educating and mentoring over 314,000 cadets each year.

Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Calzadillas served 32 years as a U.S. Army soldier. He also had a long career as a Department of the Army employee, most recently serving as the Deputy Director of Emergency Services for USAG Fort Irwin, CA. In addition, he taught ROTC at the college level.

Master Sergeant Kurt Baumgarten served 24 years on active duty, including time as a Drill Sergeant. He has been an Army Instructor for more than 20 years, working in six JROTC programs across the country. Hanford High marks the third time he has launched a JROTC program.