Benton High School Junior ROTC

10/07/2026

Last week, we took the Panther Battalion leadership to the Arkansas 4-H center for the ExCEL leadership program. The program is a unique team-building experience that was designed to strengthen our cadets through intentional challenges and reflection. The cadets started on the ground, building relationships, trust, and confidence in each other through a series of exercises. They then moved to a 15-foot vertical wall where they had to develop a plan and work together as a team to get everyone over the wall. The afternoon was spent on a high ropes course and a zip line where the cadets had to overcome fear and nerves while they navigated their way through the course.

Here are a few things that the cadets said about the trip.

“This experience revealed how good we are at communicating with each other, trusting each other, and leading or guiding each other through hardships. I didn't realize how good we really could be at these things until this trip.”

“No matter what we go through, we're not alone. None of the activities we did could we have done by ourselves; we NEEDED someone with us to help and support.”

“It showed us that when pressure is applied, we are able to work together while staying organized and not panicking.”

“It really revealed the basics of how communication and trust of others can lead to really exceptional results, like when they had me go last for the 12 ft wall with everyone hyping me up, and my jumping and trusting them to push me up, we did exceptional work and achieved the near-impossible.”

10/02/2026

We would like to celebrate our cadets for their hard work. We have been able to promote several cadets for their outstanding work over the last few weeks. Congratulations on your promotion. We would also like to give a shout-out to our BJH color guard for their performance last night.

09/28/2026

🏈 Friday Night Lights + Homecoming! 🐾

The JROTC Push-Up Team was back under the lights Friday night for Homecoming! Before the game, we held our annual cookout for the cadets and enjoyed some time together before the push-ups began.

Since it was Homecoming, our question of the night was: “What’s your favorite thing about Benton High School?” ❤️

And this week, we had a special guest join in and answer our question — Benton High School Principal Mr. Barger!

We loved hearing everyone’s answers and celebrating some of the things that make Benton High School such a special place.

Another great Friday night with our cadets! 💪🏈

09/18/2026

Yesterday was a busy day for the Panther Battalion. We had a few promotions for cadets who have carried over their outstanding performance from last year to this year. We also performed two color guard ceremonies. The first one was for the BHS volleyball game during their Military Appreciation Night, and then the cadets performed for the BJHS football game. Congratulations to these cadets for their hard work.

09/13/2026

Friday night lights are back, and so is the JROTC Push-Up Team! 🏈💪

For our first home game of the season, we asked our cadets why they were excited to be part of the team. Their answers say a lot about the energy, teamwork, and school spirit they bring to the sidelines.

Here’s to a great season — and hopefully LOTS of push-ups! 😉

09/10/2026

08/21/2026

05/29/2026

Cadet Spotlight: Standing Out from the Crowd!

A massive congratulations to Cadet Davis and Cadet Becerril for earning top individual honors and bringing home well-deserved plaques from this week's JROTC Leadership Camp!

Out of hundreds of cadets facing grueling conditions and constant rain, these two dug deep, refused to complain, and truly set the standard for excellence.

Cadet Davis — 1st Place Sit-Ups (Male Division)

Talk about absolute core strength and determination! Cadet Davis pushed past total physical exhaustion to claim 1st Place overall in sit-ups during the Cadet Physical Fitness Challenge. His grit under pressure earned him a championship plaque and proved what 100% effort looks like.

Cadet Becerril — Outstanding Platoon Leadership Award

Leadership isn't just a title; it's an action. Cadet Becerril was awarded a plaque for his exceptional leadership within his platoon throughout the camp. Whether navigating tough terrain in the downpour or rallying his team through the mud of the obstacle course, his ability to motivate others, maintain a positive attitude, and lead from the front stood out to the entire camp command.

Both of these young men represented our program flawlessly. They showed that true leaders don't just endure tough challenges—they rise above them and inspire everyone around them to do the same.

Congratulations, we are so proud of you both.

05/29/2026

Cadet Spotlight: Leadership at its Finest!

A massive congratulations to Cadet Espenshade and Cadet Rowlan. During this week’s grueling JROTC Leadership Camp, their platoon rose above the rest to be officially named Best Platoon!

Instead of letting the mud and tough conditions slow them down, Cadet Espenshade and Cadet Rowlan, chose motivation over complaints. Their perseverance, positive attitudes, and ability to inspire teamwork helped carry their platoon to the very top.

We are incredibly proud of their leadership, character, and this phenomenal achievement.

05/29/2026

Camp Complete: Future Leaders Have Arrived!

Mission accomplished! Our incredible Army JROTC cadets have officially completed Leadership Camp, and we could not be more proud of their journey.
Between the grueling physical demands and the constant rainy weather, it would have been incredibly easy to complain—but that’s not who our cadets are. Instead of letting the wet, muddy conditions bring them down, they chose to persevere, lift each other up, and master every single challenge over the course of the camp:

The Obstacle Course: Powering through the mud, scaling slick walls, and conquering barriers with pure grit.

One-Rope Bridge & Rappelling: Defying gravity, overcoming fears, and trusting their knots and teamwork to conquer the heights.

Cadet Physical Fitness Challenge: Pushing past exhaustion and giving 100% to test their true strength and endurance.

Map Reading: Navigating tough, wet terrain and keeping their focus sharp under pressure.

Archery: Showing steady hands, patience, and incredible discipline despite the damp conditions.

Water Operations: Tackling water survival and team drills with absolute confidence.

By choosing motivation over complaints and resilience over comfort, they did more than just pass the tests—they set the ultimate example of what true leadership looks like. They return home stronger, more united, and fully prepared to lead from the front.

Congratulations, cadets! You earned every bit of this success, and we are incredibly proud of you