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The Army JROTC program plays an important role in the success of America’s children and communities. Since its inception, the JROTC program has been viewed as a strong program that provides youth with much-needed skills in citizenship and leadership. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that students who participate in JROTC programs have better attendance, grades, and graduation rates relative to students who were in general academic programs. These students also demonstrate a higher level of participation in community service activities.There are many advantages associated with the JROTC program. Some of the ways that your teen can benefit from participation in JROTC include:
- Appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.
- Develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others
- To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
- To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
- Learning cooperation.
- Emphasis on the importance of a good education and high school graduation.
- Access to information about post-high school opportunities including college and professional training.
- Time management skills.
- Understanding America’s culture, and the military’s place in it.
- There are many opportunities and advantages to the JROTC program. Learning about discipline and proper personal management are valuable skills. Another advantage is that your teenager can interact with students who are also interested in achievement. This provides a good environment for teenagers, and positive peer pressure. Additionally, teens can learn from their instructors, who serve as positive role models and mentors.
History of the JROTC
The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) came nto being with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916. Under the provisions of theAct, high schools were authorized the loan of federal military equipment and the assignment of active duty instructors with retirees who worked for and were cost shared by the schools.The JROTC Program has changed greatly over the years. Once looked upon primarily as a source of enlisted recruits and officer candidates, it became a citizenship program devoted to the moral, physical and educational uplift of American youth. Although the program retained its military structure and the resultant ability to infuse in its student adets a sense of disciplineand order, it shed most of its early military content.
JROTC is a continung success story. From a modest beginning of 6 units in 1916, JROTC has expanded to 1645 schools today and to every state in the nation and American schools overseas. Cadet enrollment has grown to 281,000 cadets with 4,000 professional instructors in the classrooms. Hollywood Hills JROTC was established during School Year 2009-2010 by 1SG Francisco Diaz. Now, after sixteen years we still continue to be Spartan strong with over 200 cadets enrolled yearly. We will continue to prepare our cadets for Glory!
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Message from the Senior Army Instructor Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Retired John J. Acevedo
Welcome to the Army JROTC Spartan Battalion at Hollywood Hills High School. The effects of the Army JROTC program at Hollywood Hills High School reach far beyond the classroom and into the community in developing character, leadership, and civic responsibility. Army JROTC at its essence is a character education and leadership program. JROTC strives to keeps kids in school, helps them find their way during the turbulent teenage years, and assists them in becoming productive members of their community. Our JROTC program at Hollywood Hills produces young men and women who are ready to accept the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship. We are rightfully proud of our contribution to America's future and thankful for the Broward County School Board, the dedicated school administrative staff and faculty, and members of our community whose hard work and commitment make this program's success possible. My Beliefs
As Program Director and Senior Army Instructor, I see my role at Hollywood Hills High School as more than just a job--it is a vital cause in helping to elevate the general welfare of our community’s youth by modeling and promoting time-honored Army values, including loyalty duty, respect, selfless service, honor, and integrity. I believe these values are critical building blocks and foundational principles of character development and responsible, patriotic citizenship. They are indispensable in preserving our Country’s love of liberty and ensuring a secure future.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Acevedo serves as our JROTC Program’s Senior Army Instructor and Director. He brings over 25 years of military experience, knowledge, and training; as well as an attuned level of adept interpersonal skills which inspires and promotes a cohesive educational environment built on effort, productivity, and excellence.
LTC Acevedo holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Minor in Education. Upon retirement from active duty, LTC Acevedo served as the Deputy Plans Officer for 1st Corps out of Joint Base Lewis McCord, WA. As an Army Officer, he served in various leadership positions, duties and assignments as a logistics officer, serving in the Pentagon as well as Combatant Commands such as U.S. Southern Command. LTC Acevedo brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to our school and invaluable expertise in a variety of educational and technical fields.
LTC (R) John J. Acevedo
Senior Army Instructor
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Message from Army Instructor First Sergeant Edward Hampton
Welcome to the HHHS Spartan Battalion! The Hollywood Hills High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC, emphasizes character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, citizenship, service to community and diversity. Its focus is reflected in its mission "To motivate young people to be better citizens." It prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment.
The attributes of self-discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, responsiveness to constituted authority and patriotism are developed. Integrated-curricular activities include drill teams, athletic competitions, community parades, and field trips to service installations, educational facilities, and national historical sites.For more information regarding our JROTC program, click HERE.
First Sergeant (1SG) Edward Hampton is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and a graduate of its public-school system. After graduating high school, He enlisted in the United States Army Field Artillery corps with 27 years of active duty military service and 18 years as a Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps Program (JROTC) instructor for a total of 45 years Army service. 1SG Hampton served three overseas tours in Germany which includes Berlin, Augsburg, and Babenhousen. He also served tours in Turkey, Hawaii, Poland, Iraq, and
numerous stateside assignments. After retirement 1SG Hampton started his second career as an Army JROTC Instructor in Philadelphia, PA at the Philadelphia Military Academy which at that time was the first Academy in the city. He served there for eight years. With a move to Florida, 1SG Hampton was now a proud and honored member of the Everglades Gators JROTC program where he helps students to become better citizens. Go Gators! Also, in Broward County, he taught at the Entrepreneur & Leadership Military Academy and Hollywood Hills High School JROTC where he is currently working.
First Sergeant (Ret.) Edward Hampton, Army Instructor
