Royal High ROTC cadets earn distinguished national honor
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Royal High School's Air Force Junior ROTC program has earned the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit for the second consecutive year, marking the highest recognition the U.S. Air Force gives to high school programs nationwide.
Out of 812 JROTC programs across the country, only 143 received the award this year. Royal is one of just 19 programs in California to earn the distinction, according to Jake Finch, spokesperson for the Simi Valley Unified School District. The cadets scored 97 out of 100 in their evaluation.
"The cadets of AFJROTC Unit CA-20142 work tirelessly to ensure this cadet-led citizenship program operates at the highest possible level," said retired Lt. Col. Ian Fryman, one of the program's two instructors. "Like all strong ROTC programs, our mission goes beyond participation — it is about young leaders learning to lead by actually leading."
More than 90 students are enrolled in Royal's JROTC program this academic year. The curriculum splits time between aerospace studies, leadership development, and wellness training. Students learn by doing — piloting drones, competing in archery, logging flight simulator hours, and volunteering hundreds of hours in the community.
Benjamin Caro Jr., deputy director of the AFJROTC for the Air Force, said the award recognizes not just cadet achievements but also the work of instructors and the support of the school and community.
The program runs as the foundation of Royal High's Public Service Homeland Security Pathway, operating in partnership with the U.S. Air Force and the Reagan Presidential Library. Classes cover aviation history, flight and navigation, applied math and science, and world geography and political systems. The courses also fulfill students' physical education graduation requirements.
Royal first earned the Distinguished Unit with Merit Award in 2020, the first year the program was eligible. The JROTC unit has operated at the school for more than a decade. Master Sgt. Alvin Johnson serves alongside Fryman as co-instructor.
Beyond classroom work, cadets get hands-on training with a drone fleet and flight simulators. They compete in statewide competitions and many earn scholarships to universities or acceptance to military academies. According to the school's website, at least one Royal cadet earns a pilot's license before getting a driver's license every year.
The program's annual Pass in Review ceremony, held last month on the Royal High football field, showcased the year's work. Cadets marched in formation, competed in cadence competitions, and demonstrated drill team skills for an audience of mentors, faculty, parents and community leaders.
Every spring, the ceremony transforms the football field into a display of precision and discipline. Families fill the stands to watch cadets demonstrate the skills they have built throughout the year. For many, it represents both the culmination of their high school JROTC experience and preparation for what comes next.
"Every decision, every event, and every challenge becomes a classroom where they build the confidence and character to serve as future leaders in the military, government, and civilian life," Fryman said.
Whether cadets pursue military careers or civilian paths, the program builds a foundation in leadership and discipline. For those heading to military service, the JROTC experience provides early preparation. For others, the skills transfer to whatever direction they choose after graduation.
The back-to-back Distinguished Unit Awards place Royal's program among the most successful JROTC units in the nation, a recognition that reflects both student dedication and community support for developing young leaders.
