High school JROTC seeks donations for the upcoming school year

Students from Pahrump Valley High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps need some extra help to fund the upcoming school year.

While being funded partially by the Nye County School District and the United States Army, the JROTC program at Pahrump Valley High School still needs to find money to fund the upcoming school year’s events such as the annual military ball, supplies and competitions.

Lt. Col. Patrick Nary commands the JROTC unit at the high school and has 26 years of experience with the Army, and just recently came to the high school last year.

Nary explained that he is retired from the army and now his goal as the commanding officer is to help the young people of Pahrump become better people.

“Sixty percent of the students at Pahrump Valley High School fall under the free and reduced lunch service,” Nary Said. “When we start looking at that, in order for them to maintain their uniforms, haircuts and have the right clothing items such as black socks and white t-shirts, we have to ensure they have a way to get all of that.”

Nary stated that his goal for the upcoming year is to have enough supplies for all the incoming JROTC students.

Nary explained that JROTC was first designed to motivate teenagers into going into the Army; however now the goal is to motivate young people to become better citizens.

JROTC focuses on life skills and character building. According to Nary, JROTC students must maintain a C average in every class to keep a high rank and that grades are checked every week. Nary also explained that if students are struggling in school they set up lessons in every subject to help the student.

JROTC teaches young people vital life skills such as leadership, communication, discipline, and how to set and keep standards.

Fenny Descuatan, JROTC Battalion Commander for the upcoming school year, explained the benefits of being in JROTC.

“Being in JROTC helps us prepare for real life after high school,” Descuatan said. “It made me a better person, a better leader and communicator.”

Car washes are what the JROTC hope will help them make additional money. Each car wash generates around $800 - $1,000.

On Saturday the battalion will have a donation only car wash at Saddle West Hotel, Casino &RV Resort from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the school year the unit will also hold a Penny War, and raffles for big prizes to also aid with funding.

Many companies and members of the community help support the JROTC. Sheer Talent helps give free haircuts to cadets who cannot purchase them on their own. GI USA, and Linda DeMayo also help out with donations.

There will be an additional car wash on August 1 at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you have any questions about the JROTC program at the Pahrump Valley High School please call 775-727-7737 extension 2134.