Building Leaders at Como Park: Inside the MCJROTC Program’s Impact & Achievements
The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is a federally sponsored program supported by the United States Armed Forces in high schools—and in some cases, middle schools—across the nation and at U.S. military bases worldwide. Established under the National Defense Act of 1916 and expanded by the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, JROTC continues to shape young leaders through discipline, education, and service.
Here in Minnesota, there are at least 13 JROTC programs, representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. One outstanding example is the Marine Corps JROTC (MCJROTC) program at Como Park Senior High School in the Saint Paul School District, established in 1995.
Since 2014, Sergeant Major James C. Kirkland (Ret.) has served as the Marine Instructor, guiding more than 1,200 student cadets through the program. His leadership and dedication have helped Como Park MCJROTC stand out as one of the most competitive and active programs in the region.
A Mission to Transform Lives
The Como Park High School MCJROTC mission is clear: to develop leaders with the integrity and courage to overcome adversity and transform their lives to serve family, community, and nation.
For more than 11 consecutive years, the program has maintained a cadet strength exceeding 100, with an average enrollment of over 110 cadets each semester. This year has been no exception. Despite challenges such as economic stress, mental health concerns, youth anxiety, and rising local crime rates, cadets have continued to excel—both in the classroom and beyond.
The 2024-2025 school year was one of the most dynamic yet, filled with diverse activities, competitions, and leadership opportunities:
- 4,031+ community service hours — Cadets sacrificed weekends, holidays, and after-school hours to serve their community.
- First place at Region 6/Midwest Conference Drill Competition — Earning a spot at Nationals for both divisions.
- $38,000 raised at the Minnesota State Fair — Through their annual seven-day fundraiser supporting the Sanitation Department.
- 27 cadets attended national and regional leadership camps, including Cyber STEM, National Drill Camp, and Senior Leadership Camp.
- POI points: 257 | Competition points: 374 | Public Affairs: 25 — Reflecting exceptional program performance.
Academic success was equally impressive:
- 97% of cadets participated in school activities, clubs, or leadership roles.
- Most cadets rank in the top 30% academically and appear on the Como Park Honor Roll.
- 127 Academic Awards earned this year.
- Senior Scholarship Awards reached $1,127,088, representing full or partial scholarships for graduating cadets pursuing higher education or military service.
Beyond the Classroom: Leadership in Action
Como Park MCJROTC offers a wide range of opportunities for growth and adventure:
- Leadership Camps: Summer at Korkow Ranch (South Dakota) and Winter at Camp Ripley’s Army Base—setting a record attendance of 68 cadets this year.
- Specialized Training: First Responders Camp, Drill Bootcamp, and Staff Development Leadership Camp in Wisconsin.
- Competitions: Raider Team traveled to Arizona, Illinois, and Indiana; Archery competitions with Johnson AFJROTC and Cretin-Derham Hall AJROTC; Cyber Patriot team reaching new levels of success; Orienteering team active with Minnesota Orienteering Club.
- Youth and Government Program: 16 cadets spent three days at the Minnesota State Capitol.
- College Readiness: Participation in TRIO programs and PSEO college courses, ensuring cadets are prepared for post-secondary success.
Diversity and Inclusion: A Program for All
Como Park MCJROTC serves one of the most diverse cadet populations in Minnesota, including students of Hmong, Karen, Burmese, Nepalese, Somali, Vietnamese, Farsi, Haitian, Portuguese, Oromo, Hispanic, Ethiopian, El Salvadoran, Mexican, African American, Native American, Congolese, and Caucasian backgrounds.
Despite economic challenges, cadets continue to thrive thanks to community support, school leadership, and Sergeant Major Kirkland’s unwavering commitment.
How You Can Support Como Park MCJROTC
The program relies on donations to provide opportunities for cadets in many ways. Contributions help fund:
- Leadership camp attendance
- Competition entry fees
- Meals and travel
- Equipment and team upgrades
If you’d like to support this incredible program, make checks payable to “CPSHS MCJROTC” and mail them to Como Park High School. Every donation makes a difference!
Como Park Senior High School
740 Rose Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN 55117
Final Thoughts
The Como Park MCJROTC program is more than a leadership course—it’s a life-changing experience. From earning national recognition in drill competitions to logging thousands of community service hours, these cadets continue to lead, serve, and inspire. Their success, despite adversity, is a testament to the program’s mission and the incredible work of Sergeant Major Kirkland and his team.
Semper Fi!