On October 7th, 2025 the Panther Army JROTC proudly held its first official battalion formation at Palatka High School. With nearly 100 of our 140 cadets in attendance, this event marked the start of a new tradition focused on unity, discipline, and leadership.

During the ceremony, companies were awarded guidon streamers for outstanding achievements:

• A Company earned special recognition for winning the One-Rope Bridge competition with an impressive time of 3:47.

• C Company took the lead overall, securing streamers for Best Attendance, Highest GPA, and Uniform Wear.

• B Company was awarded the streamer for Best Uniform Appearance.

These recognitions encourage healthy competition and motivate cadets to excel both in uniform and in the classroom. Formations like this build confidence, teamwork, and Panther pride.

We thank our faculty and staff for their continued support as we develop strong students, responsible citizens, and future leaders.

Panther Pride. Army Strong.

Our JROTC program kicked off the season with an impressive showing at the first Raider meet of the year. For the first time in our program’s history, we fielded both an all-male and an all-female team, demonstrating the depth and dedication of our cadets.

Our cadets weren't just competitors; they were also the hosts for this major event. We planned and executed a successful competition for over 150 cadets from eight different schools. The event was a testament to our cadets' leadership and organizational skills, showcasing their ability to coordinate and manage a large-scale operation with professionalism and precision.

The day was filled with a series of demanding physical and mental challenges. Our teams competed in a diverse range of events, including the one-rope bridge construction, which tested their knot-tying and teamwork skills under pressure. The 400m team relay pushed their endurance, while the tire flip required raw strength and synchronization. The final event, the cross-country rescue, challenged their problem-solving and communication as they worked together to navigate a difficult course.

This meet was more than just a competition; it was a powerful display of our cadets' hard work, discipline, and commitment. Their performance, both as athletes and as hosts, set a high standard for the season ahead and made our program proud.

This past summer, a select group of our cadets embarked on a challenging and rewarding journey to the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC). This annual summer camp is a cornerstone of the Army JROTC program, designed to push cadets out of their comfort zones and provide them with a hands-on experience in a military-style environment.

JCLC was an immersive, multi-day camp where our cadets applied the leadership skills, discipline, and teamwork they had learned throughout the school year. They were organized into platoons and companies with cadets from other schools, quickly building rapport and working together to accomplish demanding tasks. The camp was not a boot camp, but a series of challenging, adventure-style activities that fostered personal growth and leadership development.

Our cadets were challenged physically and mentally in a variety of events, including a rigorous swim test that was preceded by mandatory swim lessons, ensuring every cadet developed essential water safety skills. They also tackled the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC), where teams were given a scenario and specific equipment and had to devise a plan to complete the task, emphasizing communication and quick decision-making. A major highlight was the High Cope obstacle course, which required cadets to navigate complex challenges high off the ground, building trust and confidence in their teammates and themselves. The capstone of their adventure was a descent down the intimidating 90-foot rappel wall, where they learned to overcome their fears and rely on their training.

Initially, our program was allocated 10 slots for this prestigious camp. However, due to the outstanding performance and dedication of our cadets, we were able to secure an additional three slots, bringing our total to 13. This was a testament to the hard work of our cadets and the strength of our program. We are incredibly proud of the group that represented our school, and they have returned with invaluable leadership experience that will benefit our entire JROTC program in the upcoming school year.

Over 60 dedicated JROTC cadets from Palatka Jr. Sr. High School recently completed a remarkable service learning project, transforming a neglected culinary arts room into a vibrant new art classroom. The initiative, spanning a month and a half, showcased the cadets' hard work, leadership, and commitment to their school community.

The project was more than just a renovation; it was a hands-on learning experience guided by the principles of service learning. Cadets were involved in every step, starting with meticulous project management. They created a detailed timeline, conducted a thorough safety assessment, and developed a materials list. This process included learning about material procurement and budgeting, giving them practical skills in resource management.

After the planning phase, the real physical work began. The cadets learned and applied proper techniques for surface preparation, including cleaning and taping off trim. They discovered the importance of primer in ensuring a smooth and lasting finish before applying two full coats of paint. Their collective efforts revitalized the room, turning a forgotten space into a bright, inspiring environment ready for students to explore their creativity.

The project culminated in May 2025, when the JROTC program proudly presented the newly renovated classroom back to the school. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of every cadet involved and highlights the valuable life skills they gain through the JROTC program. Their hard work has not only beautified the campus but also left a lasting legacy for future students at Palatka Jr. Sr. High School.