The Laurel School District announced last week that the Laurel Senior High School has been approved to establish an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program beginning with the 2027–2028 school year.

“This marks a significant milestone for our district and creates an outstanding new opportunity for Laurel students. AFJROTC is a nationally recognized leadership development program that emphasizes character, citizenship, responsibility, teamwork, service, and academic excellence. While sponsored by the United States Air Force, the program is not a military recruitment program. Rather, it is designed to help students develop the leadership skills and confidence needed to succeed in college, careers, and life,” the District stated in a press release.

“This accomplishment is the result of years of dedication by many people. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to past and current members of the Laurel Board of Education, district administrators, school leaders, and community advocates who believed in this vision and worked tirelessly to bring an AFJROTC program to Laurel. Their persistence, leadership, and commitment to expanding opportunities for our students have made this exciting day possible,” it continued. “We are honored to partner with the United States Air Force as we work together to ‘Develop Citizens of Character’.”

Over the coming months, the district will begin implementing the program, including instructor recruitment, student enrollment opportunities, and preparations for welcoming its inaugural class of cadets in the fall of 2027.

More on this in a future issue of the Laurel Star.