JROTC program makes it four in a row

National excellence is turning into a habit for the Gaffney High Air Force JROTC program.

For the fourth straight year, the JROTC received the National Distinguished Unit Award from the Air Force for outstanding service to their school and community.

Only 200 JROTC high school units nationwide earn the award.

Gaffney High JROTC instructor Chief Master Sgt. Randall Byars received the Outstanding Instructor Award for the fourth straight year. The award is given to the top 10 percent of the 1,900 JROTC instructors nationwide.

The Outstanding Instructor Award is based on the achievement of unit goals and an annual evaluation report. Unit goals are also used in determining the National Distinguished Unit Award.

"We are very happy about it. This has been a team effort from our administration and the faculty to the leadership our cadets have shown in meeting and exceeding our goals," Gaffney High JROTC instructor Lt. Col. Morris Miller said.

This year's goals centered on citizenship, academics, physical fitness, community service and increasing enrollment in the JROTC program.

Gaffney High JROTC Group Commander Derick Burgin received the school's first U.S. Air Force Academy appointment since 1983. The school will send a total of 16 cadets to summer leadership camps in June at The Citadel and Vandenburg Air Force Base in California.

The Gaffney High JROTC unit was named the county's top Adopt-A-Highway group for the third straight year. An average of 45 cadets were involved in Adopt-A-Highway pickup events around the school.

The unit added 16 new members to its Kitty Hawk Air Society academic honor organization.

Cadets took an active role in Gaffney High's successful effort to become a Palmetto's

Finest School this year. As of March, JROTC members had spent 1,662 community service hours working with organizations such as the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels.

"It's important for students to learn the life lesson of giving back to the community," Byars said. "We want our cadets to be visible and involved in community activities throughout the year."