Rockwall ISD’s Marine Corps JROTC program is only in its second year, but it is already making its mark on the community and students by blending students from different schools, backgrounds, and abilities into one unit.
District leaders worked for years to secure a JROTC program in Rockwall before its debut in 2024. Unlike many JROTC programs that are set at one of the district’s high schools, the Rockwall program is housed at the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy. This unique aspect allows students from Rockwall High and Rockwall-Heath to participate together.
“I knew we needed this program, and I think a lot of the community did too,” says Alison Belliveau, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education and Principal of the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy. “But I don’t think people understood how popular it would be.”
The Marine Corps gave Rockwall three years to reach 100 students (the minimum enrollment required to sustain a unit). However, the program hit that number in its first semester and has 145 cadets enrolled this fall. Major Chris Earley, one of two retired Marines leading the program, says success goes beyond numbers.
"The cadets in our program consist of athletes, band members, and many students who just thought they didn’t belong anywhere,” says Earley. “Yet, when we're all in uniform together and learning to lean on each other, we become a family."
Cadets take courses in leadership, history, and life skills alongside drills and physical training. Most importantly, the program aims to teach students healthy ways to overcome their mistakes.
That focus has already changed lives. Earley says he’s seen students once “heading the wrong direction” find confidence and purpose.
“A lot of these young adults are looking for mentors,” added Chief Warrant Officer and JROTC instructor Jimmy Barrientos. “They seek discipline, they seek mentorship, they seek that coach-to-student mentality. This is a way for them to be part of a team—participating in our shared purpose of serving the community. For some, this might be the only time they get to do that.”
Outside of the classroom, cadets present colors at football games, volunteer with veterans groups, and help with community events like Toys for Tots. Chief Academic Officer Megan Gist said that visibility reflects Rockwall itself.
“This program represents our community’s values: patriotism, service, and leadership,” Gist says. “That’s Rockwall.”
“This program represents our community’s values: patriotism, service, and leadership,” Gist says. “That’s Rockwall.”