As a proud member of the Kenton County School District (KCSD) community, I am deeply concerned about the current classification of the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program as a "club" rather than an official sport. This misclassification undermines the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our JROTC Raider teams.

I have personally witnessed the immense effort put forth by our JROTC teams. They undergo physicals to ensure their readiness, wear uniforms with pride, and even pay fees to participate in seasonal activities. Despite these requirements and commitments that are comparable to any other sport, KCSD fails to recognize them as such.

The JROTC Raider, Color Guard and Drill teams compete on weekends against other schools' athletic programs. They showcase their skills at local parades and proudly wave our nation's flag at televised broadcasted events. These dedicated individuals bring home trophies that reflect their exceptional performance – trophies that the school takes credit for and display with pride.

It is disheartening to see such remarkable accomplishments go unrecognized by our own school district. By classifying JROTC as a club instead of an official sport, KCSD is denying these deserving students access to resources and opportunities available to other athletes.

To rectify this situation, I urge KCSD to include JROTC in its Athletics Roster immediately! By doing so:

1. Our hardworking cadets will gain access to additional resources necessary for their training and success.
2. The recognition as an official sport will provide equal opportunities for scholarships and college admissions.
3. It will promote inclusivity within our school district by acknowledging the efforts of all student-athletes.
4. The community's support for this petition demonstrates its belief in fairness and equality within our educational system.

Let us come together as a community united behind this cause – recognizing the JROTC teams as the athletes they truly are. Sign this petition to demand that KCSD reclassify JROTC as an official sport and grant these deserving students the recognition they deserve.

Together, we can ensure that our JROTC Raider teams receive the respect, resources, and opportunities they have earned through their dedication and hard work. Let us stand up for fairness and equality within our school district.

Thank you for your support!

Jennifer Gray