Seniors James Hogan, Raelean Sutton, Adam Arthurs and Christain Carrasco were inducted into their military branches at an official signing in the gym May 10. 

“I feel it is great because it recognizes our students that are signing to serve our country,” McQueen said. “The students talk with a recruiter and then take the ASVAB test, then they go to MEPS and they are ready to enlist.”

There are six branches in the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force. Hogan, Sutton and Carrasco joined the Army while Arthurs chose the Navy. 

Arthurs will go to Great Lakes, Illinois July 29 for training.

“It is something that I have wanted to do, and the navy recruiter came down to the high school and was able to offer me a contract,” Arthurs said. “We talked about it and I am going to be a damage controlman. I am really excited and everything because I will be able to go to new places, and the cool thing is I’ll be able to be on warships. It’s also a good way to pay for college.” 

The military can be a safety net for people like Hogan who desire the stability it can provide. Hogan will go to Missouri for basic training July 12.

“I chose to go into the Army because it’ll set me up for life,” Hogan said. “It’s honorable, it’s an honorable job. I feel excited. I’m going to have a lot of fun.”

Family and tradition can be an influence for joining the military, such as the case of Carrasco, who will go to Fort Sill, Oklahoma June 8.

“All of the men in my family have been in the military at one point or another, but now it has become more of future stability,” Carrasco said. “I get mixed feelings every now and then. Sometimes I’m excited about it and other times I ‘m nervous. It just depends on the day.”

For Sutton, who will go to Fort Sill, Oklahoma July 6, the military helped her find something to do after high school.

“My family is mostly military background, and I didn’t really know what career I wanted to go into, so for me, the Army was the best choice,” Sutton said. “I am extremely excited.”