What’s Right With Our Schools: Hixson Middle AFJROTC
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Those are the core values of the United States Air Force. Now, Students at Hixson Middle School have the chance to aim high starting in the 8th grade.
Doug Burhans is an AFJROTC Master Sergeant.
He says, “It is a very exciting time for us here at Hixson High School and Hixson Middle School. They just changed title 10 law a couple of years ago to allow eighth graders to take junior ROTC; the best citizenship program in the world.”
He continues, “Oh my gosh! Cadet Owens is incredible. He hit the ground running, and I am so excited for him to be progressing in this program over the next few years.”
Cadet Stephen Owens chips in, “When we were in the eighth grade, we are over there, and we are the only people who are in it. and everyone, we are supposed to set a good example.”
Master Sergeant Burhans adds, “We are fortunate to have Hixson Middle School co-located with us here at Hixson High School, which allows us to have eighth graders, so,when they come over here and take the same course that the high schoolers do, and then my Flight Commander Adaline Rucker will march them back over to the middle school, and they continue with their day.”
Rucker explains, “Sometimes it could be a challenge. They are at a different maturing point than I would say the high schoolers, but sometimes even though they are at a lower maturity level, they outperform ninth graders, 10th graders and even upper classmen.”
Airman Carli Hickman adds, “I wanted to do something different. So, I decided to join it, because, I mean it looked cool; cause the military looks cool, so.”
Master Sergeant Burhans concludes, “I think it is very important for them to start learning the core values of integrity first, citizens before self, service before self and integrity and excellence and all that we do. Not only does it set them up for success in the future during their school year, but also as citizens in America and in their communities. So, basically that’s what our mission statement is is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serve their nation and community, to get them started early on is just a great thing for us and the nation too.”
