From excelling in national competitions to serving their local communities, cadets in Round Rock ISD’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs at Stony Point and Westwood high schools are proving that discipline, leadership, and service are the cornerstones of success.
Stony Point High School’s Navy JROTC cadets, the Tiger Knights, capped a standout year by earning top placements in state and national competitions, including a first-place win at the “Find the Tiger” State Orienteering Meet and second place at Fort Cavazos. The team, comprising students who are cross-enrolled to Stony Point from Cedar Ridge High School, also competed at the National Marksmanship Championship and National Academic Exam.
The unit was named the Most Outstanding Unit in Area 18, State of Texas, and, for the fourth consecutive year, earned the prestigious “Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors” award. Cadets logged more than 2,500 hours of community service, and many have committed to college, military service or ROTC scholarships.
“This year, the Stony Point NJROTC cadets have truly exemplified leadership, discipline, and perseverance as they competed in drill and orienteering meets across the state and beyond,” said Stony Point Master Gunnery Sergeant Ishmael Castillo. “We showcased the power of dedication, with our hard work, teamwork, and determination paving the path to excellence.”
Across town, Westwood High School’s Air Force JROTC program, TX-861st, continues its mission to “develop citizens of character.” The 117-cadet unit received a perfect score on its annual Air Force Headquarters inspection and logged more than 3,300 service hours in one year, supporting school, city, and veteran events. The unit’s academic team ranks among the top 16 nationally, and two cadets earned full scholarships to attend AFJROTC’s Flight Academy and obtain their private pilot licenses.
Ayesha S, a sophomore at Westwood, said she’s grown during her time with AFJROTC.
“As a second-year cadet, I have discovered various opportunities, whether that is giving back to the community through volunteering, learning about aerospace science, or even meeting new cadets in the many different teams we have,” she said. “I have truly found a tight-knit community determined to support one another and highlight each other’s leadership in many ways.”
Both programs emphasized servant leadership, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community, preparing our young leaders for their futures.
