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Warren County High School becomes second in country to activate Space Force JROTC program

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Space Force Col. Elvert Gardner and Captain Tatiana Flores exchange the school's Air Force flag with a Space Force flag at Warren County High School's Space Force JROTC activation ceremony. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC

Warren County High School became the second in the country on Tuesday to activate a Space Force Junior ROTC program.

Warren County Schools, a small, rural district in northeastern North Carolina, is part of a cohort of just 10 schools approved to have one of these programs.

With just under 30 cadets in the program, Warren County Schools Superintendent Keith Sutton explained what this means for their community.

“We may be a small rural community, but this right here shows that hard work, dedication, and excellence can take you far and even earn you national recognition,” he said, “and I am so very proud.”

The specifics of the Space Force program are still being developed, but it’s expected to incorporate STEM education, including offering space camps at universities.

Warren County High School was chosen out of more than 800 applicants, largely because of their persistence and enthusiasm, Space Force leaders explained. The program looked to partner with schools close to space-related facilities, but they also took geographic diversity into account.

Explore pictures from Tuesday’s ceremony below.

  • Caleb Lethan played the national anthem on his saxophone at the start of the ceremony. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Warren County Schools Superintendent Keith Sutton expresses gratitude. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Warren County High School JROTC cadets await their new Space Force lapel pins. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Warren County High School Principal Keesha Lewis and Chief Master Sergeant Charles Apodaca sit with cadets. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Members of the Warren County American Legion attended the ceremony. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Col. Elvert Gardner and cadets furl the Air Force colors to make room for the new one. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Space Force leaders pin emblems to cadets’ jackets. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Sidney Ramirez, a sophomore, and Amonta Jordan, a junior, proudly display their new Space Force pins. Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC
  • Anna Pogarcic/EducationNC