Harrisburg School Board Celebrates JROTC Cadets’ Achievements and Announces Superintendent’s Retirement
- Meeting Overview:
In the recent Harrisburg School Board meeting, the spotlight was on the accomplishments of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets, with a significant announcement from Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Harry regarding his retirement. The meeting, held at Harrisville High School, was marked by a blend of celebration and reflection on the program’s impact on students, alongside a call for increased parental involvement in educational activities.
The meeting began with a ceremonial welcome and invocation. The accomplishments of various JROTC teams were highlighted, particularly the drone team, which had achieved notable success in competitions. All eight members of the drone team had earned their drone pilot wings.
The ceremony recognized senior cadets for their commitment to the program, as well as their role in mentoring younger members. Awards and promotions were distributed, emphasizing the structured ranking system within the JROTC that rewards merit, knowledge, and skill. The recognition extended to the academic team and the marksmanship team, with specific distinctions made for their achievements and competition results.
Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Harry addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the support shown to the students and acknowledging the efforts of the cadets. He took the opportunity to announce his impending retirement. Dr. Harry reflected on the growth he witnessed in the students and shared his belief in their potential to succeed in college or the military. He emphasized the importance of parental involvement, encouraging parents to engage more with their children’s educational journeys.
Following Dr. Harry’s remarks, Matt Far, an alumnus of the program, shared his success story, illustrating the long-term benefits of the JROTC. He emphasized the program’s aim to ensure that every graduate has a clear path to success, whether in higher education or a career. Far’s journey from a student in the program to a successful professional served as an inspiration to current cadets.
Commander Martin, a guest speaker, praised the students’ performance, likening it to that of active-duty military personnel. His comments reinforced the high standards achieved by the cadets and encouraged them to maintain their dedication. The naval science instructor also expressed pride in the cadets’ achievements, urging more parental participation in future events.
School Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
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Recording Published:
03/13/2026
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Duration:
57 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Pennsylvania
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County:
Dauphin County
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Towns:
Harrisburg
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