A 100-year-old JROTC trophy stands proudly at W.H. Adamson High School, a testament to legacy, tradition, and a symbol of the excellence to come.
Originally known as the Dallas Cadet Corps, Adamson’s JROTC program is the oldest in Dallas ISD. Established in 1915, students initially had to buy their own uniforms and equipment. That changed in 1916 when the National Defense Act made JROTC a federally funded program.
Throughout its illustrious history, many members of the Adamson JROTC program went on to serve their country with pride.
These include:
- Samuel David Dealey: A commanding officer of the U.S. Navy who died in combat during World War II.
- Alfred Coffey: Served as an infantry officer in the Pacific during World War II and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
- Robert Bearden: A World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army 507th Parachute Infantry Division on D-Day.
- Lon Oakley, Jr.: A veteran in the U.S. Army who served as an infantry command leader during the Vietnam War.
Now, a century later, Adamson students in the JROTC program stand on the shoulders of those who came before them, and do their best every day to maintain that legacy.
“It makes you proud to know what people have accomplished,” said Adileny L. “It makes you want to keep going.”
A junior, she signed up for the program as a freshman to gain leadership experience.
Adileny, along with Miguel R., Fernando H., Jamie R., Leslie P., Lisa R., Jamie M., Fernanda C., and Alexis N., is a member of the battalion staff.
Handpicked by their instructors, these students represent the best of the best, and are encouraged to take ownership of the program and serve as mentors.
Many battalion staff members were inspired to join JROTC by family members who participated in the program at their respective high schools, carrying on a tradition while building a legacy of excellence at Adamson and across the district.
“My cousins and aunt were in the program, so when I went to high school, I asked to be in this class,” Jamie M., a senior, said. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Seniors, Miguel and Fernando, have similar stories.
“My mom went to Adamson, and said I should enroll in JROTC,” Fernando said.
Inspired by his dad, who was in the JROTC program at Woodrow Wilson High School, Miguel joined as a freshman and now serves as a colonel, the highest rank in the district.
United by shared experiences and a common passion, the nearly 200 students currently enrolled in the program have formed a close-knit bond that feels like family.
The JROTC classrooms have also become a safe space for students who are not in the program, but know they can rely on the instructors and fellow students for encouragement.
In addition to participating in programs like the color guard, archery, marksmanship, and orienteering, cadets volunteer in their community and participate in events like the Veterans Day parade and service-learning projects.
New to JROTC is a focus on STEM in instruction. Now, cadets can participate in activities like robotics, drones, cybersecurity, and coding. In fact, Adamson came in third place in the first district JROTC robotics competition.
Jeffrey Forbish, master sergeant and one of the JROTC instructors, said these opportunities brought in new students.
“We have people who joined because they were interested in STEM,” he said. “It’s opened up to a lot of students who may not have joined otherwise.”
While cadets may not necessarily plan on joining the military when they graduate from Adamson, they say the soft skills they’ve gained from the program, like perseverance, conflict resolution, and time management, will serve them as they move into the next phase of their lives.
They also encourage students to take a chance and sign up for JROTC.
“Just go for it,” Miguel said. “You don’t have to bring much, just bring yourself.”
