The Marines of SHS
Written by Karl Houtman, Former Student on Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Snohomish High School is known for the traditions it holds and the people it empowers. As a school, it makes people who they are, it gives them the tools they need to succeed, and offers a variety of courses for students to pursue their whims and their dreams. The MCJROTC program at SHS does just that, along with a lot more.
The program allows students to participate in various drills and practices that Marines do in the Marine Corps. Students learn how to do various drills, learn the commands of a Marine and how to enact them, along with doing physical training and handling of firearms.
Master Sergeant Reuben Urquidez teaches this course, with help from Captain Will Lennon. Together they give students the tools and know-how to pursue a career in the military.
“My job is to pass on Marine Corp knowledge to students,” says Urquidez.
The JROTC program is a year-long course at SHS and gives students many different opportunities and positions in a military environment. However, some students will drop out after their first year due to the program not keeping their interest.
The students that do stay with the program, however, go through physical training, which is usually every Tuesday during their JROTC period. Various activities include running on Snohomish High School’s track and moving tires.
“There is a lot more to these students than most people know,” says Junior Davis Machado, a Cadet Sergeant in the program.
Alongside the military training and physical endeavors of JROTC students, they also learn valuable leadership skills through the program and are given opportunities to lead their classes in drills and other activities.
The Marine Corps has had a presence in Snohomish High School for decades and will continue to thrive in our halls and provide a prominent level of discipline to the chaos of our hallowed halls.
