The Hillside High School Army Junior ROTC has been awarded accreditation by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. This accreditation is recognized globally.

First Sgt. Jeffery Matthews credits his hard-working Cadets for keeping the unit in excellent standing.

“It was from the hard work of the Cadets,” he said. The Cadets and instructors were evaluated on teaching and learning goals. Each Cadet was interviewed, had to explain Leadership Education and Training (LET) lessons for their class, and give examples on how it has made an impact or changed them during their high school years. They also had to prepare two presentations– one on Continuous Improvement and the other a Service-Learning Project. 

“The Cadets chose Parking Lot Violations for the Continuous Improvement Project and the Hillside alumni’s Little Garden Landscaping and Beautification for Service Learning. They also had to conduct Color Guard and Drill Team demonstrations,” said Sgt. Matthews.

Hillside scored 95.25 out of 100, thus earning the highest recognition JROTC Honor Unit of Distinction (HUD).

The Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) is awarded to the units that have demonstrated exceptional performance in all areas of program operation. To be awarded this rating, the JROTC program must score between 90-100% on the annual Unit Report, and 95-100% on the JROTC Program of Accreditation. Only 20% of JROTC units achieve this honor. 

“The Cadets spent countless hours preparing, rehearsing, and practicing for this inspection. Throughout the term of accreditation, Army Junior ROTC must continue to engage in the responsibilities required of all institutions to maintain accreditation status outlined in the Cognia Accreditation and Certification Policies and Procedures. The global network includes more than 36,000 schools and systems in 85 countries that are committed to continuous improvement through accreditation.

The Army Junior ROTC has also earned the 2022 School of Distinction Award. The Schools of Distinction program recognizes schools and systems that truly stand out in their service to learners, as demonstrated in meeting Cognia Performance Standards.