Timeline
The JROTC program at Waukegan High School thrived through the years prior to U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Waukegan Township High School has taken a leading part in organizing and fostering high school cadet corps. Under the inspiration of a Board of Education in sympathy with the idea of giving high school students such training, the principal of the school took an active part in organizing the National High School Cadet Corps League.
Waukegan High School Yearbook, 1916
Forever green may the memory be
Of those who aspire to the military
Cadet Rubin, Waukegan High School, 1919
During most of the wars that America has participated in, the need of well trained offciers has been keenly felt. In trying to solve this problem the government realized that R.O.T.C. work in the public high school would greatly improve this situation. Thus we see that all the boys participating in this training are assure of serving as officers in a national emergency.
Cadet LeRoi, WHS, 1921
Throughout the schools in the United States Waukegan is known for the records of the past rifle team and the boys are working to sustain this.
Waukegan High School Yearbook, 1930
The Second Great War
After Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, ROTC continued to heavily emphasize militarized training.
Rifle marksmanship is required in the R.O.T.C. curriculum.
Waukegan High School Yearbook, 1950
Nearly every cadet gets a chance to perform as a leader and to develop confidence in his ability. In addition to teaching drill, such subjects as Map Reading, Tactics, Effects and defense against Nuclear Weapons, Marksmanship, Weapons, and First Aid are taught. Safety in handling weapons is stressed.
Waukegan High School Yearbook, 1960