De Anza’s AFJROTC program is getting eliminated
De Anza’s AFJROTC program is getting eliminated
The Issue
Dear readers and peers,
I am writing as a former Group Commander and a proud member of this program since my sophomore year. When I first entered high school, I was actually scheduled to join the Law Academy. I initially planned to switch out of AFJROTC, but after experiencing the program and the sense of family it fostered, I chose to remain. That decision became one of the most meaningful choices of my high school career.
Through AFJROTC, I participated in enriching trips, built lasting friendships, developed leadership skills, and had the honor of serving as Group Commander. The program has provided structure, discipline, mentorship, and a strong, supportive community that has positively shaped so many students’ lives. For many of us, it has been the highlight of our school experience.
With the recent news that AFJROTC will be eliminated next year, I respectfully request that this decision be reconsidered. For over 11–12 years, this program has contributed to leadership development, academic motivation, school spirit, and community involvement. Its impact extends beyond the classroom, helping students grow into confident, responsible individuals.
In addition, we plan to respectfully send letters to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to formally request a review of this policy decision. We hope district leadership will carefully consider the value AFJROTC brings to students and explore possible alternatives that would allow the program to continue serving current and future cadets.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to supporting student success. AFJROTC is more than just an elective, it is a community, a leadership foundation, and a life-changing opportunity for many of us. If you want to directly contact the people in charge of this decision, here’s Cheryl Cotton, WCCUSD superintendent, alongside Summer Sigler, WCCUSD associate superintendent, and Candace Cofield, our principal at De Anza. Here are their emails respectively
ccotton@wccusd.net
ssigler@wccusd.net
candace.cofield@wccusd.net
Respectfully,
Devin Deleon Escobar
Former Group Commander/current 12th grader at De Anza High School
688
The Issue
Dear readers and peers,
I am writing as a former Group Commander and a proud member of this program since my sophomore year. When I first entered high school, I was actually scheduled to join the Law Academy. I initially planned to switch out of AFJROTC, but after experiencing the program and the sense of family it fostered, I chose to remain. That decision became one of the most meaningful choices of my high school career.
Through AFJROTC, I participated in enriching trips, built lasting friendships, developed leadership skills, and had the honor of serving as Group Commander. The program has provided structure, discipline, mentorship, and a strong, supportive community that has positively shaped so many students’ lives. For many of us, it has been the highlight of our school experience.
With the recent news that AFJROTC will be eliminated next year, I respectfully request that this decision be reconsidered. For over 11–12 years, this program has contributed to leadership development, academic motivation, school spirit, and community involvement. Its impact extends beyond the classroom, helping students grow into confident, responsible individuals.
In addition, we plan to respectfully send letters to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to formally request a review of this policy decision. We hope district leadership will carefully consider the value AFJROTC brings to students and explore possible alternatives that would allow the program to continue serving current and future cadets.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to supporting student success. AFJROTC is more than just an elective, it is a community, a leadership foundation, and a life-changing opportunity for many of us. If you want to directly contact the people in charge of this decision, here’s Cheryl Cotton, WCCUSD superintendent, alongside Summer Sigler, WCCUSD associate superintendent, and Candace Cofield, our principal at De Anza. Here are their emails respectively
ccotton@wccusd.net
ssigler@wccusd.net
candace.cofield@wccusd.net
Respectfully,
Devin Deleon Escobar
Former Group Commander/current 12th grader at De Anza High School
688
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Petition created on February 17, 2026