MacArthur High JROTC honored; cadet says program builds leadership and academic motivation

The Lawton Board of Education welcomed members of MacArthur High School’s Junior ROTC and heard remarks from battalion leaders about the program’s impact.

Dr. Weaver introduced Major Craig Redfern and noted that Major Redfern’s cadets recently won the fifth consecutive state championship in army drill and color guard. Major Redfern thanked the board for the invitation.

Cadet Lt. Col. Braden Evans, the battalion commander, outlined how JROTC emphasizes leadership and character development and said it also supports academic performance by establishing expectations for participation. "This program is probably the best thing that I've done in high school," Evans said, encouraging students to try JROTC for at least one year.

Evans described program features such as cadet recognition boards (cadet of the quarter), academic supports for students who are struggling, and extracurricular competitions that motivate students to maintain passing grades. The board offered congratulations to Major Redfern and the cadets; no action was required.