History of South JROTC
Military training in Denver Schools started in 1874 but the military training at South High School did not start until 1903. The First commandant of the military training program at South was Mr. George Watson in 1918. He held this position in addition to normal teaching duties. The first active duty soldier assigned to South was Tech Sgt J O'Connor in 1921. The program officially became activated as a JROTC program on October 2, 1935. Here are a few of the items from South's history. Gordon Compton, a member of South JROTC's rifle team became a nationally recognized champion shooter in 1938. South JROTC rifle teams were multiple winners of the William Randolph Hearst Sponsored regional rifle matches from the 1940's and 1950's. Most of these plaques are available for viewing in South's Museum. The South JROTC Rifle team established a NRA recognized national Rifle record in September 1952. South JROTC had their own survey control Benchmark established by the US Geological service on the South grounds in 1959 It was named after our program.
South JROTC Today
Just like in the past, south has had a very successful JROTC program in the past ten years including city and state championships in rifle and drill competitions. Just like any other JROTC program in the city we use a standard army Battalion organization. We are entirely run by students. This year Chain of command is at the bottom. We also have six companies, one for each class period.
Chain of Command
| Battalion Commander | C/MAJ Dong- Ha Nguyen |
| Executive Officer | C/CPT Derly Ramirez |
| Personnel Officer | C/2LT Linda Jimenez |
| Security Officer | C/2LT Ethan Anderson |
| Operation and Training Officer | C/2LT Melissa LeVasseur |
| Logistics Officer | C/2LT Posler Ramirez |
| Information and Publicity Officer | C/2LT Michelle Crandell |
| Automation Officer | C/ 2LT Gretchen Thomas |
| Special Projects Officer | C/ 1LT Francy Bonillas |
| Command Sergeant Major | C/ CSM Alex Casillas |
Extra Curricular Activities
ROTC: First Year
Introduces ROTC, the theory of leadership, and oral communications. Topics include hygiene, first aid, and physical fitness. Emphasizes school to work opportunities.
ROTC: Second Year
Covers intermediate leadership, first aid, physical fitness, map reading, military leadership, and oral communications.
ROTC: Third Year
Additional training in physical fitness, students apply leadership, map reading, and oral communications theory, and learn about service academies and careers.
ROTC: Fourth Year
Advanced leadership and communications, seminars on management, physical fitness, and the duties and relationships of leaders and staff.
Honor Platoon 1 and 2
Drill Team 1 and 2
5 hrs
Grades 9 - 12
Pre-requisite: Acceptable academic performance & conduct.
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps teaches oral communication and leadership skills, first aid, physical fitness, and American history.
