Tempe Union High JROTC team advances to national championship in Washington DC

Under the warm glow of the Tempe Union High School District's meeting room, a sense of pride filled the air as the board gathered to celebrate a remarkable achievement. The evening began with a land acknowledgment, honoring the indigenous peoples who have cared for the land long before the district's establishment. This respectful gesture set a thoughtful tone for the discussions that followed.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Wilson took the floor, addressing board members and the audience both in-person and online. His first order of business was to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of the district's JROTC academic team. Comprising students Vadim O'Brien and Jacob Fixman from Desert Vista, along with Alyssa Hoopenthal and Dallas Holmes from McClintock, the team has made waves in the competitive world of JROTC.

After excelling in two rigorous online rounds against teams from around the globe, the Tempe Union High School District's JROTC team secured a coveted spot in the upcoming 2024 US Army JROTC Academic Bowl Championship. This prestigious event will take place at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, from June 21 to 25, 2024. Competing against 2,007 teams worldwide, their achievement places them among the elite 32 teams in the nation, earning them an all-expenses-paid trip to the championship.

Dr. Wilson emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, noting that the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl is a nationally recognized competition designed specifically for JROTC students. The board members and audience erupted in applause, celebrating the hard work and dedication of these young scholars. As the meeting continued, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement, reflecting the community's support for its students and their bright futures ahead.