Cadets in the Michigan City High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program have been debating the issues facing voters as they head to the polls for the midterm elections.
The exercise, framed around Benjamin Franklin's warning that the founders had given the country a republic if citizens could keep it, is intended to build an educated and involved citizenry. Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath said cadets recognize that elections have consequences, and that being an informed voter can directly affect them.
On the local level, students had a direct stake in one ballot question: a referendum for the funding of Michigan City Area Schools was also before voters. Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak said the program's academic units aim to develop cadets into strong, involved citizens, alongside the Raider and Drill teams and community service most people notice.
The cadets continue to support the high school by providing color guards at home football and basketball games and by taking part in the Veterans Day ceremony with the band and choir and in the One City One Sound holiday concert. They will also take part in ceremonies honoring veterans and lead the Michigan City Festival of Lights parade.
Michigan City High School will host a military drill competition on Nov. 14, with schools from Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Chicago, Romeoville and Portage attending. The JROTC program also presents to students at Barker and Krueger middle schools before eighth graders schedule their high school courses.
