Mississippi National Guard and Jackson Public Schools partner for a stronger future

Photo By Capt. William Hill II | Pfc. Bryana Sampson, a junior at Jim Hill High School, listens as Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, the adjutant general for the Mississippi National Guard, speaks at a press conference at Forest Hill High School in Jackson Jan. 29. The Mississippi National Guard and Jackson Public Schools announced a major partnership during a press conference at the school. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. William Hill, JFH-MS Public Affairs)  

JACKSON, MS, UNITED STATES

01.29.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. William Hill II 

155th Armored Brigade Combat Team

JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi National Guard and Jackson Public Schools Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps joined forces on Jan. 29 to help ensure a bright future for JPS students and the state of Mississippi. Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, the adjutant general of the MSNG, committed resources as well as a check for $15,500 at a press conference at Jackson’s Forest Hill High School.

“Involvement in the JROTC program teaches our young people a number of things,” said Collins. “It teaches them discipline; it teaches them the value of selfless service, of putting the needs of others above their own. That is what’s going to make them successful, and that is what’s going to make them a good leader.”

The MSNG is committed to working with the JPS JROTC, providing resources to ensure that students receive training and support that will give them the best opportunity to be successful in whatever future ambitions they pursue. Jackson Public School’s JROTC began in 1936 at Central High School and nearly eight decades later it is in all eight high schools.

“First and foremost, JROTC is a leadership and character development program,” said Col. Paul Willis, director of JROTC for JPS. “We’re focused on preparing our young people for success - right now while they’re still in high school and, more importantly, success for their future endeavors. We encourage all of our students to pursue higher education. For most of them, it will be a traditional college route, but for others it may be a trade school or paraprofessional certificate. We know that the National Guard has many career options that are available for students and we want to make the students aware of these opportunities.”

Cadets Bryana Sampson and Tony Brown represented the JROTC programs at Jim Hill and Forest Hill High School. Both students shared their experience with JROTC, and Sampson shared during the announcement how it led to her enlisting in the MSNG.

“The partnership expands and further develops educational opportunities for our students who enter into the JROTC program,” said Dr. Cedrick Gray, JPS superintendent and former U.S. Army Reserve member. “JROTC is a good introduction to military service, but more importantly it is an introduction to academic and service-learning projects.”

Educators are often referred to as being farmers. At times, they plant seeds and at other times they harvest. Perseverance and patience are needed to cultivate a fruitful crop.

“When students enter the JROTC, and especially now in collaboration with the Mississippi National Guard, they are planting a seed for the future,” said Gray. “We already know that this relationship with the National Guard will produce great harvests.”

The MSNG and JPS JROTC will continue to work hard to ensure a bumper crop for this generation and many more to come.

• Date Taken: 01.29.2015
• Date Posted: 02.04.2015 16:57
• Story ID: 153544
• Location: JACKSON, MS, US
• Hometown: JACKSON, MS, US