Last fall, Fluvanna County High School added another club to an already-long list of options, introducing the school’s first-ever Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) club.

Called the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles), the club was set in motion by senior Mikaela Sullivan to be a club not just for students interested in going into the military after high school, but also for those seeking life skills such as self-discipline, community service, and public speaking. “As cheesy as it may sound,” said Sullivan, “all I wanted to do was help people. I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself, and I feel as though I made an impact on other people’s lives.”

Sullivan collaborated with Army recruiter Sergeant Andrew Mauck in the formation of the club. “He was very instrumental in getting things started,” said Sullivan. ”I appreciate the support and experience he brings to the table, while also letting us work things out on our own. He’s helped me step out of my comfort zone in a way that didn’t feel stressful, and has been a tremendous help in making me become the leader I need to be for everyone,” she added.

Explaining why he wanted to help start the club, Mauck said, “There are normally three paths after high school that graduates take: advanced schooling, job market, and military. FCHS does a great job at preparing their graduates to be competitive in all paths. I believe that the STAR club would be an added tool to set FCHS graduates up for even more success moving forward in any of those fields with instilling accountability, discipline, and a can-do spirit.” 

So far this year, the club has done some basic training skills essential to military life, started their first PT training, and has established a color guard open to anyone in the club. The club, which is open to students in all grades, meets on Fridays in the third floor Media Center.