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RICH TOWNSHIP
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
20550 South Cicero Avenue
Matteson, IL 60443

Phone:
708-679-5800

CHIEF NATHAN GREGORY,

Navy National Defense Cadet

Corps Shines At RTHS

This year, Rich Township in its efforts to be Cadet Krista Jordan, a Junior student,
true to its vision to provide opportunities states of NNDCC, “It gives me motivation
for students to thrive, started a National and encourages me to work towards my
Navy Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC). goals. I can understand different parts of
the program including flag and drill.
The NNDCC at RTHS instills outstanding
leadership skills in the students who I have learned lessons that I can use at
are a part of the program. The program home. It makes my family happy and
is similar to a Junior Reserve Officer motivates them to motivate me.”
Training Corps (JROTC). They learn great Cadet Tyler Minniefield, a Freshman The program, located at the Fine Arts
discipline and they are dedicated to student, says of NNDCC, “It teaches and Communication Campus, will expose
maintaining an exemplary grade point discipline. I am more mature in regards students to a four-year naval science
average. The program helps students to school and my grades. I have been curriculum, and is open to students
learn about community service and and blessed to go to different states which is an in all grade levels. As a result of their
makes them very helpful to seniors and opportunity that I did not previously have. participation in NNDCC, cadets will
neighbors where they live. Chief Nathan I also see opportunities to apply for college possess a high degree of personal honor,
Gregory, Chief Petty Officer, United scholarships in the future.” self-reliance, individual discipline and
States Navy (Retired), who heads the leadership. The program will develop
program with 24 years of service says, The National Navy Defense Cadet informed and responsible citizens, respect
“In addition to discipline and leadership Corps (NNDCC) provides students for constructed authority, and promote
skills, the students also learn good time with opportunities to gain the values of patriotism and an understanding of the
management which helps them prepare citizenship, service to the United States, basic elements and need for national
for and do well in college.” Chief Gregory personal responsibility and a sense of security. NNDCC satisfies 3.5 credits for the
has been at RTHS for one year of his accomplishment. The unit of 41cadets is physical education graduation requirement,
exemplary career and the school is very one of three in the south suburbs and one and students are exempted from taking a
pleased to have him. of 16 in Illinois. physical education class.