When you see a room of men and women dressed in military regalia, you might not expect them to be in a sewing circle, carefully reattaching buttons and other small details to their uniforms. If you’re a cadet in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at Green Local Schools, though, sewing is just one of the many forms of training you’ll go through.
“We teach everything from knot-tying to lessons on health and wellness to aviation history to rocketry,” says Lieutenant Colonel Colleen VanNatta. “We keep them on their toes, and I think they enjoy how different every day could be.”
Formed in 2006, the current branch of the ROTC at Green offers classes, drill work and a number of extracurriculars, including color guard, academic challenge and a fitness team. And while many of the ROTC cadets go on to serve their country — and quickly rise through the ranks because of what they’ve learned at Green — the program is not solely a recruiting program but rather a citizenship program.
“We teach a variety of life skills that aren’t in most school curriculum,” Master Sergeant Justin Speight shares. “We want students to be leaders in the community and the school district.”
After a banner year of individual and student group awards, Green’s ROTC program has landed within the top 5% of units nationwide. Here, student Keely Bahry, a senior and wing commander, shares her experience of being part of such a dynamic, successful and impactful program.
Q&A with Keely Bahry
Q: Can you tell us about your experience in the ROTC?
A: My experience with the program has been nothing short of life changing. You learn valuable life skills and develop outstanding character. We learn how to build resumes for our future, nutrition and fitness basics, uniform wear and chain of command within the wing, and even branch out as far as having hands-on courses.
Q: Are you involved in any of the extracurricular options that the ROTC offers?
A: I am involved in nearly everything the program has to offer. I’m a member of our competitive drill team, which is ranked second in the nation for Air Force teams. I personally commanded the inspection flight and was a part of the Color Guard team that won first in the nation in 2023. I also participate in our athletics program. The more you involve yourself and participate, the more you’re going to get out of it, and I can say from experience that each and every opportunity is absolutely worth it.
Q: What do you think sets the ROTC at Green apart from other ROTC programs?
A: The program at Green High School is set apart from other programs because of the dedication of both the instructors and senior leadership. This program, it gives you a family. We’re more than just teammates or acquaintances, and that, simply put, is why we succeed as we do.
Q: How do you think this program has shaped you for the next steps?
A: This program has helped me to explore many options and paths that I never would have thought possible for me. It has helped me grow as a person and a member of my community. The skills I’ve learned through this course will continue to help me as I go on to apply for scholarships, colleges, jobs and so much more. I’m now prepared to live my life as a leader to those around me.
