Frisco ISD earns prestigious Navy JROTC designation

Mike R. Waldrip, Superintendent Frisco Independent School District | Official website

Frisco ISD has announced that its student corps of cadets has been awarded the designation of Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC). As of July 1, the District’s Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) has transitioned to a Navy JROTC. Both programs share the mission to instill leadership, character, honor, and service ideals, but the NJROTC designation also brings federal funding.

When Frisco ISD was approved in late 2020 for the NNDCC program, it was estimated that approval as a JROTC program could take between five and ten years if everything proceeded smoothly.

“For our program to be designated a JROTC after only three years is a testament to the excellence that is pervasive in Frisco ISD,” said Dr. Wes Cunningham, associate deputy superintendent. “We received this honor because of our students’ consistent performance over time and in recognition of their success. I believe it sets a high bar for our future students and is another way in which we can meet the needs of our students.”

The NJROTC is housed at Lebanon Trail High School and led by retired Maj. Gary Billings. NJROTC is one of three Schools & Programs of Choice within Frisco ISD, providing students with additional opportunities to distinguish themselves and become future-ready.

“Regardless of what ambitions our outstanding Frisco ISD students may have, our NJROTC unit is dedicated to building the confidence they need to achieve them,” Billings said.

Frisco ISD’s NJROTC program has achieved significant success in a short period, earning the Most Improved Unit of 2024 for Area 19, which extends from Dallas to Colorado Springs. Additionally, a team of FISD cadets secured third place at this summer’s JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl National Championship.

Graduates responsible for this rapid growth have embarked on new chapters including enrolling in institutions such as the U.S. Naval Academy, West Point, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Harvard University, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University; enlisting in various armed forces; and becoming first responders.

Learn more about Frisco ISD’s NJROTC program.