JROTC Inside Edition

As we continue our commitment to cultivating strong leaders, scholars, and community contributors, we are proud of the dedication our JROTC cadets are demonstrating this semester. Cadets should be actively monitoring their academic progress, applying for scholarships, participating in meaningful school and community events, and exploring internships and work-based learning opportunities. Their initiative should reflect the core values of our program and the high expectations we set for their growth.

To ensure our cadets remain on track for postsecondary success, collaboration between JROTC instructors and school counselors remains essential. We encourage all JROTC instructors to partner closely with counseling teams to:

• Review cadet grades and support academic improvement efforts
• Guide and encourage scholarship exploration and application completion
• Promote participation in leadership and service events
• Assist cadets in identifying and securing internships and work-based learning experiences
• Dedicate time for accurate and timely input into SchooLinks to support postsecondary planning and goal monitoring.

By working together, we ensure that every cadet receives comprehensive support and guidance as they chart their path toward future success. Thank you for your continued commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Your partnership makes a significant difference.

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Tyese Sims

As we continue to work to change the lives of our cadets, I want to take a minute to remind each of us that we are in a marathon, not a 50 meter dash. We are starting to move into the time of year when schedules become very busy, stress becomes greater, and the holiday blues can start to become more prominent. Please take a few minutes to conduct a self assessment on your own mental health. Look for signs from teammates and those we work with daily, to make sure we are not leaving anyone to struggle alone.

We have come a long way from the days of , "Suck it up and drive on". I want to remind all of the Employee Support Program that is one of your benefits. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a signal of strength.

My door is always open.

Respectfully Submitted,

LTC Zimmerle

We have two of my favorite JROTC events coming up during the month of November! These two events are the Citywide Sports Challenge and the Fall Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW).

It takes true dedication to rise before the crack of dawn and arrive at school by 7:00 AM on a Saturday, ready to represent your school with pride. Please encourage your cadets to practice their events well in advance and bring their best energy to the competition. I wish everyone the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing you all at the beautiful Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center on 15 NOV!

Our second event, the Fall Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW), offers an incredible opportunity for cadets to earn renewable local and national scholarships to top universities such as UIC, Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Illinois State University, just to name a few.

Program benefits:

• Fully Waived Tuition for participating in the ROTC Program

• Participate in the ROTC Program with no commitment for up to 2 years

• Can be combined with Pell Grant, MAP, or housing aid

• Eligible for ROTC stipend ($420/month) + $1,200/year books (if contracted)

Please encourage your cadets to take advantage of this remarkable cost-saving opportunity. Refer to the SY26 JROTC Master Calendar of Events section for additional details as the requirements have changed. Please also watch for more guidance to be published in the coming days.

Respectfully Submitted,

MAJ Striverson

https://cofcontests.com/

• November 01, 2025 - November 20, 2025

• Required for all Army JROTC programs

Hillside Veteran's Day Parade

NOTE 1: The village will pay for your bus, then send docs to the Hillside Committee for reimbursement.

NOTE 2: Lunch bag provided for all cadets.

NOTE 3: Bus drop off, NLT 1200 at Queen of All Nations/St. Domitilla Church Parking, 4940 Washington Street in Hillside.

NOTE 4: Starts at 1300, ends by 1500.

Congrats Hubbard on taking overall 1st place at the Zion Benton Drill Competition!🏆🏆🏆

1SG Haith, MSG Jimenez as the Twins from the Shining! Whoa!!!

1SG Roberts and the Carver cadets enjoying the spirit of Halloween!

Jakayla Jackson-Bowman

Graduating: Morgan Park High School

Attending: University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign

Jakayla Jackson-Bowman wanted to be valedictorian from an early age and joked that her friends in the top 10 of the class did “not make it easy” for her in the final semesters.

At Morgan Park High School, she participated in JROTC starting her freshman year and credited her two instructors, LTC Jamel Carr and 1SG. Delval DeSavieu, with helping pull her “out of that shell” early in high school.

Jackson-Bowman enrolled in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Morgan Park and developed a love of English. She participated in the school’s dance team, student council, and debate team and served as JROTC battalion commander.

Morgan Park High School is one of five CPS high schools that works with the nonprofit Hope Chicago to pay the full cost of college for all graduates. Jackson-Bowman will attend the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign on a Hope scholarship and plans to major in neuroscience or neurobiology and eventually go to medical school to become a doctor.

Please keep the Military Academy family in your thoughts and prayers. The CMA family lost a teacher during the month of September and a cadet during the month of October.

Everfi has released a new resource just in time for Veterans Day. Conversations: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives is a powerful supplement to our Character Playbook course for grades 6–9. This interactive experience uses safe, structured AI to help students engage with Medal of Honor recipients and reflect on their incredible stories. It’s a meaningful way to foster empathy, civic engagement, and character development in the classroom.

Please review this resource guide for more information.

Please share this amazing opportunity! Cash prizes available!

Young artists participating in ARTEFFECT bring to life the stories of Unsung Heroes. There were many individuals who demonstrated heroic traits and actions that made a profound impact on others, yet went largely unrecognized. Since 2016, this annual competition has engaged thousands of students in grades 6–12 worldwide, inviting them to honor these role models through original artworks created in a range of mediums and artistic expressions.

Dear CPS Education Professionals,

There's a week and a half left (Deadline is TODAY) for students to send in their entries to this year's VFW essay contests for cash prizes and the opportunity to move up to district, state and national competitions.

The 2025-26 theme for both contests is: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

The essay contest for grades 6-8 is called "Patriots Pen" and the submission is in the form of a written essay, 300-400 words long, answering the prompt in the student's own words.

"Voice of Democracy" for grades 9-12, is similar, with the addition of an audio recording of the essay, 3-5 minutes in length.

For more details see the entry forms, attached or on the VFW website:
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students aged 20 or over, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible.

I welcome any questions or comments you may have about these contests and scholarships, or other youth programs sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Ray Doeksen
Commander,
Logan-Avondale VFW Post 2978
3009 N. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
rdoeksen@gmail.com
(773) 654-3086 Post landline
(312) 536-7129 Cell

https://superlink.io/vfw2978

The Chicago Veteran Standdown is looking for volunteers. The event will occur at the Illinois National Guard Armory (See Below). Website link (https://www.chicagostanddown.org/).

The goal is to engage with veterans in our community who are currently experiencing housing instability or homelessness with resources and services. This goal is where the group could use your support. They are in need volunteers for this two-day event to help with critical areas, ensuring engagement with as many veterans as possible. If you are interested in volunteering. Please email Mr. Lopez with the following details (below), and he will add you to the volunteer roster.

Chicago Veteran Standdown: Friday, November 14th, 2025. Illinois National Guard Armory. 1551 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60651 (8 am-2 pm)

Volunteers are needed for the following…

• Thursday, the 13th, to set up and stage items (8 am-4 pm)

• Friday, the 14th, for the distribution of items and breakdown (8 am-until complete)

To sign up…..

As an individual:

Full name:

Email:

Phone Number:

Date/s you would like to volunteer:

As a Group:

Point of Contact Full Name:

Name of Organization or Company:

Address of Company:

Number of People in the group attending (Each day)

Contact:

Alberto Lopez

Specialist

Center for Development and Civic Engagement

Jesse Brown VAMC (135)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

820 S. Damen Ave.

Chicago, IL 60612

Office: 312.569.6327 | Cell: 224.706.4323

Email: alberto.lopez@va.gov

Who Can Apply?

You’re eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship:

• High School: After completion of your junior year

• College: At any participating school

High School Applicants

Start Your Application:

1. Create an account and log in to the [Scholarship Application Portal].

2. Locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most have prior service and understand the process.

Important Dates:

• Round 01: Due October 13, 2025 → Review: Oct 20–24, 2025

• Round 02: Due January 19, 2026 → Review: Jan 26–30, 2026

• Round 03: Due March 16, 2026 → Review: Mar 23–27, 2026

💡 Applications must be started by March 4, 2026 to be eligible for review for the 2025–2026 school year.

Your ROTC Scholarship Obligation

• Accepting the ROTC scholarship carries a future Army service obligation of 8 years (active duty and/or Army Reserve or National Guard).

• Some students may serve part-time while pursuing a civilian career.

• Scholarship recipients may exit the program after freshman year without obligation.

Requirements to Join:

To be eligible for an ROTC scholarship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be 17–30 in your year of commissioning

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Maintain a 2.50 unweighted GPA (high school applicants)

• Have taken the SAT or ACT

• Pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT)

• Meet physical weight and height standards

• Agree to accept a commission in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard

USMA Admissions Timeline

Junior Year of High School

• Feb. 15 - USMA application opens, including SLE application
• March 15 - SLE application priority review deadline
• April 15 - SLE application final deadline
• Spring Semester - Begin training for Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
• Spring Semester - Begin working on the Candidate Checklist
• Spring Semester - Check nomination deadlines for Congressperson and Senators

Find your Congressional Representative or Senator.

Summer Break

• First Week in June - SLE Session I
• Second Week in June - SLE Session II
• After July 1 - Begin the medical exam process

Explore what SLE has to offer.

Senior Year of High School

• Fall - Apply for nominations
• Fall - Take Candidate Fitness Assessment
• January 31 - Candidate Checklist deadline
• July 1-April 1 - Complete medical exam

Steps for

Admission

You can begin the application process as early as your Junior year in high school and we encourage the earlier the better! These steps will provide all the information you need to know about our application requirements and our admissions process.

• 1. Confirm Eligibility
• 2. Preliminary Application
• 3. Apply for Nomination
• 4. College Entrance Exams
• 5. Transcript
• 6. Medical Examination
• 7. Candidate Fitness Assessment
• 8. Interview
• 9. Admission Selection Process & Deadlines

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the United States Naval Academy if you meet the following criteria:

• A United States Citizen by 1 July of the year of entry
• At least 17 years of age and must not have passed 23rd birthday on 1 July of the year of entry
• Unmarried
• Not pregnant and no dependents
• Have a valid Social Security Number (If you do not have a Social Security number you can apply for a card here https://www.ssa.gov)

If you are in high school but are not old enough to apply, you can register with USNA to receive information about our Summer Programs.

Admissions Cycle

Staying on Track

The United States Air Force Academy admissions cycle helps students manage their applications efficiently. The process consists of pre-candidate and candidate phases. To get a general picture of important dates in the Academy’s annual admissions cycle, see below.

March 3–December 31

The Pre-candidate Questionnaire (PCQ) opens March 3 of a student’s junior year. This is the first step in the application process. The deadline to submit a PCQ is December 31 of the student’s senior year.

July 15–January 31

Upon completion of the Pre-candidate Questionnaire, all pre-candidates will receive correspondence with guidance and next steps for the application process. U.S. Air Force Academy uses rolling deadlines whereby specific deadlines are posted on each applicant’s portal. All items must be completed by the deadline posted.

December 1–January 15

Summer Seminar applications open for rising seniors on December 1. The last day to start a new application is January 10. The Summer Seminar deadline is January 15 with no extensions or late applications accepted.

January

College Admissions Tests (ACT and SAT) must be taken by this time for the results to arrive at the Admissions Office by mid-February for current applicants. Test scores must be official and sent from the respective testing authority (ACT and College Board).

February–April

Applications are reviewed and the majority of appointments are offered during this time.

April

Most candidates who completed an application will know their admissions status by this time. All notifications will be made through a student’s application portal.

May 1

National College Decision Day

June

U.S. Air Force Academy class enters. Summer Seminar sessions take place.

Admission Requirements

The Coast Guard Academy is ranked among the nation’s elite undergraduate colleges. This is reflected in our highly selective admission process, which annually admits about 300 cadets from thousands of applicants.

Unlike the other federal service academies, the Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.

Deadlines

• Early Action: 15 October
• Regular Admission (U.S. citizens): 15 January
• International Admission: See https://www.uscga.edu/admission-and-tuition

Required/supplemental forms and standardized test scores will be accepted for 14 days after the deadlines above.

To be considered for admission you must submit a complete application by the deadline.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Coast Guard Academy if you are:

• A U.S. citizen of sound moral character
• Unmarried with no dependents or financial debt
• 17-22 years of age on last Monday in June
• A high school graduate or GED recipient (or will be prior to entry)

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may want to consider applying to be an International Cadet.

Online Application

The initial application data allows us to start a file on you.

Essays

Essays are available online as part of the online application.

Required Forms

Forms are available online as you complete the online application.

• High school transcript(s)
• Math instructor letter of recommendation
• English instructor letter of recommendation
• High school counselor letter of recommendation
• Physical Fitness Examination Form (PFE)

Medical Exam

Though not required for review of your application, a qualifying DoDMERB Medical Exam must be on file before an appointment to the Academy can be offered.

Supplemental Information

• Résumé (optional)
• Standardized test scores (required)
• Up to two extra letters of recommendation (optional)
• Commanding Officer recommendation (if currently serving in the military)
• College transcripts (if you are or were in college)

SAT/ACT

Submit as follows:

• Self-report by uploading your score reports in the Personal Statements section of the online application (required)
• Via your high school transcript (optional)
• Via your Guidance Office (optional)
• Through the College Board or ACT (recommended)

To send your scores from the testing agency, contact College Board or ACT, or list the Academy code when you take the test. Our SAT code is 5807 and our ACT code is 0600. Please visit the College Board or ACT websites to register.

SAT

ACT

Application Downloadable Forms and Documents

• Application Handbook
• PFE Scoring Form
• PFE Scoring Table
• PFE Manual – Please check back
• College Transcript Request

Interview

Admissions may request to interview applicants and prospective applicants in order to best meet your needs and the Academy’s enrollment goals. If so, a representative of Admissions will contact you. If selected for an interview, participation is required. The format of the interview – online, by phone, or face-to-face – will be based on the mutual consent of all parties, with health and safety the paramount concern.

Please add your name to this roster NLT 31OCT2025, if you would like to compete in the Drone Competition hosted by MLA on 13DEC2025. This will allow MLA to plan accordingly for the event.

ONS Dashboard

Complete Attestations in Aspen (daily)

DOD 3200 and 3203

JROTC Instructors

Due 10/31/25

DOD 3202 Form

Director of Military Instructor with Principal and Senior Army Instructor (SAI)

Due 10/31/25

* All branches are required to complete this form by 10/31/25

Recruitment and Retention Plan—developed in coordination with school administration by November 15, 2025. Upload to shared folder which will be provided.

Link to JROTC Control Panel

Dr. Tyese Sims - Executive Director
LTC Steven Zimmerle - Director of Military Instruction

MAJ Michael Striverson - Deputy Director of Military Instruction

MAJ Lancelot Lashley - Logistics Manager

CSM Ricardo Medina - Instructional Specialist

SFC Loretta Cunningham - Instructional Specialist

MSG Cleris Heggs - Hiring Manager

Kurt Jackson - Operations Manager

Shaward Singleton - Sr. Inventory Management Clerk

Marcus Thomas - Inventory Management Clerk

Website: https://www.chicagojrotc.com/
Location: 145 S. Campbell Chicago, IL 60612
Instagram: CPSJROTC

Twitter: @CPSJROTC