BHS Students Testify in Hartford in Support of Bill 299

On March 5, Bethel High School's JROTC took their training one step further. As if flying lessons and Military Balls weren't enough, the students have now gone to Hartford to support the passing of a Senate Bill.

 Joining State Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) before the legislature’s Education Committee, were Bethel High’s JROTC program leader, Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells, and JROTC Cadets Nick Damraksa, Michael Kaluta, Devon Smith, Madison Denny, Matthew Correnty and Richard Kim.  The students gave their testimony about their NJROTC experiences in support of  Bill 299.  The bill clarifies the credentialing and permitting system for the certification of JROTC instructors in the state of CT.

 “The State Dept. of Education has done an exemplary job in setting policy in support of the certification of JROTC instructors for all branches of the military,  making JROTC an attractive option for retiring military officers and senior non-commissioned officers,” Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells, said. “SB 299 codifies the legislative support for the JROTC program throughout the state.”

 BHS student Cadet Lt. Commander Devon Smith said in her statement, “NJROTC introduced me to a level of class, elegance and sophistication that I would never have experienced.”

 “We’re very proud of our local JROTC programs in western Connecticut,” Sen. McLachlan told the committee.  “There are about 200 students enrolled in Bethel High’s program.  That’s a huge number for a relatively small high school, and it shows how popular JROTC is.  Lt. Dwinnels wins the gold medal for running a terrific program.  The success that is realized by these students is tremendous.”