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Drawn to national pride
By MICHAEL SANDLER
© St. Petersburg Times, PEBBLE CREEK -- Every morning, three cadets raise the American flag at Wharton High School. Every afternoon, three others take it down. It's a subtle drill that began in August, one that might ordinarily blend into the background noise of bells, books and basketball. But since Sept. 11, teachers say more students are paying attention to the flag, and to this new group of students volunteering to raise it each day. "Kids want to be disciplined now," said Brennen Jenkins, 17, a senior Naval Junior Reserve Officer Candidate Corps cadet. "They won't admit it, but they do." Life has certainly changed since Wharton added the junior ROTC this summer. Back then, the inaugural class attracted about 140 students seeking a basic introduction to the military. But after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, when the public went on high alert and the military snapped into action, interest has grown. The school will know in the coming weeks how many students act on a swell of patriotism by adding the class to their schedule in January. But those involved say they expect company. "My friends say the are coming in January," said Leron Speights, 16, a junior. "They like the way we dress." Tommy Tonelli, a guidance counselor at the school, said several students have already elected to change their schedule next semester. He said it's part of a growing sense of national pride he has noticed in the classroom. "Kids are pledging allegiance to the flag and finally understanding what that means," said Tonelli. Even though the students give no formal military commitment, they are treated like soldiers. On Tuesdays, they wear uniforms. Twice a week, they run, march and perform calisthenics. They raise the flag each day, carry the colors at school functions and sporting events and take turns being in command. All students attend class with Maj. Michael Beale, 43, a retired U.S. Marine Corps. officer, and Master Chief Jerome Lee, 43, a retired senior enlisted man. Both recently finished 22 years of service. "We establish the organization and the cadets run the program," said Beale. "It gives every student the opportunity to be a leader. Not everyone is an athlete or one of the select few in student government." The recent news has not altered the curriculum. But it has led to increased attention and interest. "Any time we are talking about it, they ask questions about it," said Derika Folks, 16, a junior cadet. "Are we going to war? Will they bomb? Who are they going to bomb? Things like that." Beale tries to keep their attention on simpler matters. "It's so basic right now," he said. "We are talking about Navy structure and what it takes to be a leader. We may digress and talk about their feelings. But we get right back to the curriculum." Many joined the program with hopes of continuing on with the military. Some have had second thoughts since Sept. 11. Others feel more strongly now than ever. But all are beginning to understand the military involves more than marching in file. "I will still most likely join," said Kevin Carrico, 16, a junior who was recently promoted to lieutenant. "It just gives me an image of what to look forward to. It's that feeling you get when you don't want to go, but you do." Jenkins interjected, offering a word for that feeling: "I call that fear," he said, prompting laughter from the other cadets. "It's made me want to join even more," said Alyce Grocholski, 14, a freshman. "You need new experiences, whether they are good, bad or indifferent. I've always wanted to be the risk taker, the brave one, the person people look up to." -- Michael Sandler can be reached at (813) 226-3472 or sandler@sptimes.com.
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From the Times |
