Prosper ISD high school students may be too young to serve in the military, but they aren’t too young to learn self-discipline, character development, and citizenship.  As one of the largest programs for youth in the world, the JROTC is bringing just that to more than 100 Prosper ISD students this year.

“After years of trying to bring JROTC to the district, we are excited to welcome the program to Prosper ISD,” said district Superintendent, Dr. Holly Ferguson who first initiated the process of bringing JROTC to Prosper in 2017-2018 when she served as Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. At the time, both the Army and Air Force JROTC program had a long list of districts ahead of Prosper also wanting to implement the program. 

The program had many applicants and more than 100 of those who applied were able to meet qualifications and schedule adjustments to participate in the program during its inaugural year.

The community will be able to see the JROTC cadets in a variety of community appearances including:

• The cadets presented the Colors at our upcoming Convocation. 
• Cadets will present the Colors at some school board meetings. 
• Cadets will present the colors at home football games this season, other sporting events, community events, and ceremonies. 
• Cadets will conduct several service learning projects in the community this school year. 
• Cadets will perform at school pep rallies and march in the homecoming parades.

While serving as a partner with the community, JROTC students from both campuses will build skills such as leadership, self-confidence, and discipline; qualities that are necessary to thrive in any career and workforce in society. 

The district is also actively working to add an Air Force JROTC program to increase and expand the opportunities Prosper ISD students have to participate and improve their college, career, and military readiness.

While the program is housed at Rock Hill High School, both RHHS and PHS students are able to participate. The program is led by Staff Sergeant Michael Songy and 1st Sergeant Sedric Wade. 

Staff Sergeant Songy has 20 years of experience in the Army through active duty and the Army National Guard. He has worked as Recruiting and Retention Command Recruiting Assistant, Recruit Sustainment Program Instructor and Prosper ISD teacher before taking lead in the program this year.  Staff Sergeant Songy has been the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal during combat operations.

First Sergeant Wade also has 20 years active duty experience in the Army as an Airborne Infantryman. He comes to Prosper ISD with 13 years of experience as a JROTC Instructor at both Crowley and Mansfield ISDs.

First Sergeant Wade was proud that “The students were clear in their commitment to the Prosper motto #WeAreProsper #WeAreOne by voting on their unit motto to be, “One of Us, All of Us!””