Press Release
Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC-06, right) on Wednesday announced the Coast Guard would be establishing a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Lucy Beckham High School in Mount Pleasant.
In a letter sent to Cunningham, Coast Guard Admiral Karl L. Shultz thanked Cunningham for his unwavering support and commitment to the men and women of the Coast Guard and announced, “I am pleased to inform the Coast Guard is contacting the Lucy Garrett Beckham High School with the intent to establish a Junior Leadership/ Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program.”
Cunningham successfully passed an amendment that establishes Coast Guard JROTC programs in high schools across the country into the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed into law by President Trump. Once established, Lucy Beckham's program will be one of the first in the nation.
“The Coast Guard JROTC program is designed to teach young people critical life skills like leadership, discipline, and integrity that help them become better, more engaged citizens. These skills will serve them well in whatever path they follow after graduation,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham. “I am thrilled that Mount Pleasant high schoolers will be among the first in the nation to have the opportunity to have this fulfilling experience.”
“I am pleased that the Coast Guard has decided to establish a JROTC program at Lucy Beckham High School, which will allow these students to learn valuable leadership skills and important life lessons,” said Congressman James Clyburn. “I hope more schools across the country will take advantage of JROTC programs and the new allowance that enables this leadership training to occur earlier in their educational pursuits.”
“We are so excited to be offering our students the opportunity to learn about leadership, maritime safety, service and to get our young people started on a path to protecting our community and coast through our Coast Guard JROTC program will be a terrific addition to our new high school, and a natural fit given our coastal location. We are honored to be the first unit in South Carolina and appreciate the immense support from our legislative and Coast Guard leadership. This unique program will be a flagship for the Lowcountry and a model for our state and nation. Lucy Beckham High School is proud to be a leader with our Coast Guard community and we look forward to sharing our progress,” said Anna Dassing, Principal at Lucy Beckham High School.
