Bishop Fenwick Becomes Region’s Only Catholic High School to Offer Distinguished JROTC Leadership Program

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Bishop Fenwick High School announced plans today to launch a new Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program in the fall of 2026, making Fenwick the only Catholic high school in the region to bolster its curriculum with the renowned leadership and character development offering.

After months of collaboration and planning, Fenwick officially has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Defense to establish the program for the next school year. Following the comprehensive approval process and site visit, school leadership gained approval from Archbishop Robert Casey to bring this foremost youth leadership program to the Archdiocesan school.

“We are both proud and excited to bring this exclusive opportunity to students at Fenwick,” shares Principal Dr. Steven Herbert. “Grounded in our love of Jesus, this program will support and enrich our Catholic tradition of service while preparing students to cultivate lives of purpose and meaning. Incorporating this leadership course into the core curriculum for incoming freshmen advances our mission of educating the whole student – mind, body and spirit.”

The JROTC program will explore principles of leadership, teamwork and citizenship through engaging classroom instruction, hands-on activities and community service. Students can elect to enroll in additional JROTC courses beyond the introductory course to pursue unique leadership opportunities, training, competitions, service projects, travel and more.

“High school years are a formative time for youth, and we want our Fenwick Falcons to embrace every opportunity to get involved, learn and grow,” shares Fenwick President Steve Strathmann. “JROTC delivers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their high school experience and gain broad exposure to varied career pathways while building their resumes and gaining a competitive edge, whether for college admissions, scholarships or life.”

Fenwick joins thousands of schools across the country that have leveraged JROTC to provide students with valuable life lessons and skills exploration. As the region’s only JROTC program with a Catholic-school setting, Fenwick’s offering also will be firmly rooted in faith and spiritual growth.

To learn more, visit fenwickfalcons.org/jrotc/.

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