On May 1, 2024, the Grove City High School (GCHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) was designated as the Most Outstanding Unit of Area 14 for the 2023-2024 school year. Area 14 comprises 26 NJROTC units within the region (encompassing programming in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia) and is one of 23 Areas overall across the country representing 614 individual units.
“This exhaustive accomplishment is incredibly meaningful for the GCHS program as it underscores our commitment to excellence and showcases the caliber of talent and dedication within our NJROTC cadets,” said unit Commander Dustin Martin. “The accomplishment speaks volumes about our young men and women and their drive for success. I am immensely proud of these cadets and how their remarkable achievements reflect not only their capabilities, but also the collective spirit of excellence we strive to carry within our program. Their hard work, service to their community, and passion are truly commendable, and they truly represent the best of their generation.”
The selection criteria for the honors are based on each unit’s academic, competition, and community service work within their area, measured against the efforts of their peers in the region. The distinction marks the first time since 1998 that the GCHS unit has received this distinction.
The Grove City High School’s NJROTC instructors and the cadets of the Greyhound Company have worked hard to live up to the Navy’s motto of “Honor, Courage, and Commitment” since the unit’s re-commissioning in 1994.
The 115 cadets have accomplished many feats and achievements in the 2023-2024 year. Notably, all graduating seniors have secured post-high school plans, with two cadets earning full-ride scholarships and in total our cadets have earned an impressive $680,000 for the class of 2024 collectively. 42 cadets achieved honor roll status, representing an impressive 36% of the unit. Additionally, 32 cadets distinguished themselves as “Greyhound Scholars,” earning membership in the esteemed National Honor Society for a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The unit seeks out opportunities to help cadets earn distinguished achievements, but to also give back through their community service. This school year, the unit had 1,653 hours of community service to benefit the the Central Ohio community in the three primary areas of addressing the needs of local veterans, supporting children and various community initiatives and maintaining the upkeep of local parks, roads and byways. All of their efforts made meaningful impacts locally.
Beyond all of these pursuits, the GCHS NJROTC’s continues to place emphasis on a commitment to mentorship and support ensures that no cadet is left behind, contributing to the proud tradition of maintaining a continuous 100% graduation rate.
Given the unit’s dedication to success both in and out of the classroom, serving the community in which they live in and a steadfast goal to make a difference, earning the honor of being designated as the Most Outstanding Unit of Area 14 is well deserved.
SW Insider 