What We Know: After about four years of planning and waiting, Marshfield High School has brought back its Marine Corps JROTC program, giving students a chance to build leadership skills, gain confidence, and prepare for life after graduation.
What It Means: Marshfield R-1 Superintendent Garrett Lowder says the program has been a priority for the district and community.
“We had identified through our community feedback and our board that bringing JROTC back to Marshfield School District was something that was a high priority for us,” Lowder said.
The district even included space for JROTC in a new facility while waiting for approval. Now, two former Marines are helping launch the program.
Staff Sergeant Matthew Barker, who served nine years in the Marine Corps, and First Sergeant Joseph Bednarik, who recently retired after 23 years of active duty, are leading the program.
Barker says JROTC is often misunderstood as being strictly about military discipline.
“Our entire curriculum is titled Leadership Education,” Barker explained.
He says students will learn how to speak confidently, work with others, and take responsibility for their own futures.
“One of the first lessons we teach is that a leader can’t lead without a voice,” Barker said.
A typical week includes classroom leadership lessons, physical training, uniform inspections, and military drills. Students will also receive guidance on college applications, trade schools, resumes and career planning.
For Bednarik, working with students is personal.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he grew up facing financial challenges before joining the Marine Corps at 18.
He says his experiences taught him that young people can overcome difficult circumstances with determination and discipline.
“If I can do it, you can do it. It just takes discipline,” Bednarik said.
After retiring from the military in July, Bednarik wanted to find another way to serve.
“I still wanted to serve. I just didn’t want to serve on active duty anymore,” he said.
Barker shares that commitment. He originally planned on a longer military career but says teaching young people has become his calling.
“This is my purpose. This is why I’m here,” Barker said.
Beyond the classroom, students will have opportunities to participate in community activities and regional JROTC competitions, including drill, color guard, and physical fitness events.
Lowder says that community connection is an important part of the program.
“We want our school and our community to be tight,” he said.
What’s Next: The district plans to share program updates through its Marshfield R1 School News Facebook page and monthly community communications.
For Lowder and the two instructors, the goal is simple: give Marshfield students the tools to become confident leaders, whether their future takes them into the military, college, a trade, or the workforce.
And along the way, help them make a difference right here in their hometown.
(Photo provided by Breanne Rost)