The Manteca Unified School District hosted the first-ever Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Command Team meeting on Tuesday.

Included were student command teams from all five comprehensive high schools – namely, Manteca High, East Union High, Sierra High, Weston Ranch High, and Lathrop High – along with their cadre of instructors.

Superintendent Clark Burke, who continues to serve as Colonel in the U.S. Army, spearheaded the local JROTC event.

Sessions consisted of student cadets delivering their Yearly Training Briefs to peers, instructors, and district leaders.

“Events like this also serve as listening session where students can share their experiences with district leadership and advocate the needs of their programs,” said proudtobemusd via social media.

Command team members had a chance to express their gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another in this inclusive JROTC event, with several others expressing their personal impact of the program.

Added Burke: “We have four years to get through school, and not every day is going to be easy.

“I want you to have discussions about that – how do we support each other and encourage each other. You’ve got to find a way to get your peers back in the game, because that’s what a leader does.”