Santiago AFJROTC News and Achievements

Fall 2026 Newsletter

The cadets of Santiago High School’s 65th Cadet Training Group continue to demonstrate excellence in leadership, academics, service, teamwork, and citizenship. We are proud to share several recent accomplishments and upcoming opportunities.

Unit Achievement

Distinguished Unit with Merit

Santiago High School AFJROTC was recognized as a Distinguished Unit with Merit during the 2025–26 school year. This award reflects the dedication and accomplishments of our cadets, instructors, families, school leadership, and community supporters.

Unit Milestone

Celebrating 20 Years at Santiago High School

Unit CA-20065 celebrated its 20th anniversary during the 2025–26 school year. For two decades, Santiago AFJROTC has helped students develop confidence, leadership skills, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to serving their community.

Cadet Achievement

Cadet Jinu Zachariah Earns AFROTC Scholarship

Cadet Jinu Zachariah was awarded a United States Air Force ROTC Type 4 Scholarship in April 2026. This competitive scholarship recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to future service.

Cadet Recognition

Cadets Maria Kydd and Xavier Zavala Receive CHAPA Letters

Cadets Maria Kydd and Xavier Zavala received Congressman Hébert Advanced Placement Award letters recognizing their successful completion of four years of Air Force Junior ROTC.

Cadet Kydd also served as Commander of Santiago High School’s 65th Cadet Training Group.

Service

Serving Our School and Community

Santiago AFJROTC cadets completed more than 1,270 hours of community service by February 2026. Cadets support school events, civic ceremonies, community organizations, Color Guard presentations, and other service activities throughout the year.

Community service gives cadets opportunities to practice leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and responsibility while making a positive difference in the community.

Upcoming Event

Santiago Drill Meet and Raider Challenge

Santiago High School will host its annual Drill Meet and Raider Challenge on November 7, 2026. The event will bring together JROTC programs from across Southern California for drill, Color Guard, physical-fitness, teamwork, and Raider competitions.

Santiago cadets will assist with planning, staffing, logistics, scoring support, and event operations.

Competition Information

Cadet Opportunity

Summer 2027 Flight Academy Applications

Applications for the Summer 2027 Air Force JROTC Flight Academy open on October 13, 2026.

The approximately eight-week residential program provides selected cadets with an opportunity to attend intensive flight training at a partner university and potentially earn an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.

Interested cadets should review the eligibility requirements and speak with an AFJROTC instructor before beginning the application.

Flight Academy Information

More News to Come

Check back throughout the school year for additional cadet achievements, scholarships, awards, service projects, competitions, leadership opportunities, and program announcements.

Lead. Serve. Belong.