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Welcome to the home of the
Romeoville High School
Marine Corps JROTC Booster Association
We are proud to support our cadets,
instructors, and families by strengthening the program through volunteerism, fundraising,
and community partnerships.
Whether you're a current family, a prospective parent, or a community member looking to get involved, we'd love to connect with you.
Meet our Board of Directors,
AND
Explore Frequently Asked Questions BELOW.
Who can join the JROTC Booster?
Booster membership is open to any adult in the community who wants to support the JROTC program — this includes parents and guardians, extended family, alumni, community members, veterans and military-connected individuals, and other “friends of the program” who care about our cadets’ success.
For the safety of our students, all new members will complete a short form, meet all or part of our Booster team at an upcoming meeting, and finalize membership with payment. Full details are in Question 5.
I'm new to JROTC. Can I still get involved?
Absolutely! Many of our Booster members joined with little or no Booster, or JROTC background. If you have a desire to support students and connect with other families, you're already a great fit. We'll help you learn everything else along the way.
How much time does being a Booster member require?
That's entirely up to you. Some families volunteer throughout the year, while others help with just one or two events. We understand that everyone has different schedules, and we appreciate any level of involvement.
Booster Meetings, for members, are once a month. Members of the Booster program are encouraged to attend monthly meetings to stay up-to-date on events, activities, and ways to be involved. However, there are no mandatory meetings, no required volunteer hours, and no minimum commitment.
Members can participate as much or as little as they want — from simply lending their support through dues, to helping at an occasional event, to taking on a larger role if they choose.
Membership is about support, not obligation.
How does the Booster support the JROTC program?
How does the Booster support the JROTC program?
The Booster Club provides volunteer support, assists with fundraising, helps coordinate special events, and works alongside the instructors to enhance opportunities for cadets. Our goal is to strengthen the program while supporting both our students and their families.
Boosters do not guide instruction practices, curriculum, competition teams, promotions, etc. We function completely in an advisory role and complement the efforts already in place by the instructors.
The Booster Club also serves as a support system for families of cadets no matter their progress in the program.
I'm interested in partnering, sponsoring, or donating to the Booster. Who do I contact?
We'd love to talk! We are a registerd 501(c)3 and would be happy to answer any questions!
Please reach out to us via email at rhsmcjrotcboosters@gmail.com and a member of our Booster team will follow up with you.
How can I stay in touch with Booster activity?
If Booster Membership isn't the right fit for you, you're welcome to follow us on our Facebook page, or email us at rhsmcjrotcboosters@gmail.com and request to be added to our list for updates when fundraising initiatives are underway.
How do I become a Booster member?
We'd love to have you!
Step 1: Fill out the attached form below.
Step 2: If you are not a parent/guardian, cadet family member or RHS team member, for the safety of our students, we ask all new members to attend our next meeting and meet some of our Booster members before membership is finalized. Once we receive your submitted form, one of our board members will contact you with next steps. (See our program calendar below - our meetings are held on the first Friday of each month).
Step 3: Booster Membership has an annual fee of $25 (which includes a Booster T-shirt). Once your form is submitted and we've had a chance to meet, your membership will be completed upon payment.
| Meet the Booster Board |
Amber Jones
Booster Secretary | (Term Ends: May, 2027)
Connection to the Program:
My son Jacob Garcia is entering his scecond year with the program, making him an LE2.
Why did you join the Board?
I joined the board to help ensure this program stays around for all the future students that want a chance to join the JROTC program. I also wanted to be a voice for my son who loves this program so much.
Advice for First-Year Families:
Remember this is a new learning process for both your cadets and yourselves. Keep up with announcements. Ask your cadet what their practice schedule is and what events
they signed up for.
Favorite Part of the Program:
Watching my son learn about what he is so passionate about. He comes home and is excited to show me what he learned that day. Making friends inside this group is a big plus not only being in a platoon together, but spending time outside of school with each other. Seeing my son develop self-discipline, signing up to be a part of community events, and being social.
"This program not only has high expectations, but also provides the support needed to meet them.
- Returning Parent
(EoY Parent Survey SY 25/26)
100% of Cadets reported that JROTC lessons connect to real life.
Source: EofY Cadet Survey SY25/26
Rachael Garza
Booster Trustee | (Term Ends: May, 2027)
Connection to the Program:
My daughter, Sophia Alvarado, is a second year cadet who participates in Drill, Color Guard, and Archery and Elijah Garza, a first year cadet. I am Looking forward to him joining just as many teams!
Why Did You Join the Board?
I joined the board because I am heavily involved in my cadet’s journey through this program. I look forward to actively contributing my thoughts, insights, and opinions to better support our team.
Advice for First-Year Families:
The best advice I could give first year parents is not to just show up for your cadets, but be that support for them. Actively listen and engage in the conversation. Encourage them to continue pushing themselves past their comfort zones.
Favorite Part of the Program:
I wish I could tell you of a specific moment that stands out the most to me, but unfortunately I cannot. I’ve gone to just about every drill competition and I’ve enjoyed them all. The proud feeling you experience from seeing your cadet(s) walk out in their dress blues. Hearing other schools say, “Wow! These kids are badddd (the good bad of course)!” The cadets have this excitement and confidence on their faces. Watching our cadets being promoted means the world to everyone present. I’ve watched them from the beginning of the year, progressing throughout the program to who they are molding themselves to become today; bright, responsible, noble young men and women! Seeing a 360 (within a few months), the program has helped improve my cadet’s self-confidence, her ability to speak in front of a large crowd (in public), take constructive criticism and adjust. The family oriented environment from both instructors and the cadets has provided a great feeling and accomplishment for all.
Sergio Alaniz
Treasurer II | (Term Ends: May, 2027)
Connection to the Program:
I served in the United States Marine Corps for nine years, and I'm also the proud parent of a cadet currently enrolled in the Romeoville High School Marine Corps JROTC program.
Why Did You Join the Board?
I joined the Booster Board because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. The Marine Corps taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, discipline, and service, and I've been looking for a meaningful way to pay those lessons forward. I also wanted to help normalize fathers being actively involved in school organizations - something I didn't see growing up.
Advice for First-Year Families:
Growth looks different for every student. I'm a firm believer that encouraging—and sometimes gently pushing—our children to step outside their comfort zones is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. The challenges they learn to face today often become the confidence, resilience, and character they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Trust the process, be patient, and allow your child the opportunity to discover just how capable they truly are.
Favorite Part of the Program:
My favorite part is watching the friendships that develop along the way. These students genuinely care about one another and grow stronger together through shared challenges and successes. Seeing their confidence and self-esteem grow throughout the program is something truly special.
100% of cadets reported
making new friends.
Source: EofY Cadet Survey SY25/26
Dustin Wensel
Treasurer I | (Term Ends: May, 2027)
Connection to the program:
My son Henry is starting his first year in the program as an LE1, following his brother Garrett, who just graduated in May as an LE4. This will be our fifth year as a family in JROTC.
Why did you join the board?
To assist in helping keep the program around for future students.
Advice for first-year families:
The first year is a learning process for cadets and families to get used to the schedule, competitions, and procedures. Always reach out if you have questions and stick around. IT IS WORTH IT!
Favorite part of the program.
The program and our family values align closely. Great winning culture and high expectations.
94% of cadets reported feeling more connected
to service and community.
Source: EofY Cadet Survey SY25/26
Elizabeth Blake
Vice President | (Term Ends: May, 2027)
Connection to the program:
Logan Blake, LE2. This is also my second year with the program.
Why did you join the board?
I have prior experience as a Booster with the RHS band program and know, firsthand, the positive influence involved parents and guardians can have on their children and on the success of the program they support.
Advice for first-year families
Keep up with announcements.
- Read the emails, follow the updates on the website and Facebook page, and you’ll avoid 90% of first‑year stress.Ask questions early.
- Veteran families genuinely enjoy helping — no question is too small.Let your student take the lead.
- Encourage them to manage schedules, uniforms, and follow the chain-of-command. It builds responsibility and self-reliance when they are in charge of their own success.Stay involved.
- Attending service events, activities, and competitions helps you understand the program and meet the community.
- Trust the process.
Favorite part of the program:
Watching my son grow in self-discipline, bearing, and confidence has been an amazing aspect to the MCJROTC program. He is learning how to lead and communicate effectively with both his peers and adults. It's an honor watching him develop and mature into a capable and resilient young man!
96% of parents reported seeing improved Confidence, and Communication skills from their child.
96% of parents reported seeing improved health habits, fitness motivation, or daily routines from their child.
Source: End of Year Parent Survey (SY5/26)
Nicole Alaniz
President | (Term Ends: May, 2027)
Connection to the Program:
My stepson, Jayden is entering his second year in the program as an LE2, making this our second year with the RHS, Marine Corps JROTC family.
Why Did You Join the Board?
I believe that if we want our schools and communities to invest in our families, we must be willing to invest in them as well. As a former high school educator, I believe this program is one of Romeoville's best-kept secrets. From guaranteed leadership opportunities and more than 2,500 hours of community service each year to instructors who are deeply invested in helping students succeed, this program offers so much to so many. I joined the Booster Board because I want to help ensure this opportunity is available for years to come.
Advice for First-Year Families:
The first year can feel challenging—and that's okay. Like starting a new job or a new school, it takes time to learn the culture, build relationships, and find your rythem. Trust the instructors and the process, get to know the other families, ask lots of questions and take the time to understand everything the program has to offer. It's much easier to appreciate the journey when you know where it's leading.
Favorite Part of the Program:
Watching the transformation of these young people is truly incredible.
Seeing students willingly sign up for community service, develop self-confidence, find their public speaking voice, give firm handshakes and grow into capable, compassionate leaders is something that never gets old.
" The instructors are committed to making our kids feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
I believe this is what preparation for real life looks like. "
- Returning Parent (EoY Parent Survey SY 25/26)
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