Wenatchee High School’s Air Force Jr. ROTC program is kicking off its fourth year with a new piece of hardware designed to ignite school spirit: a ceremonial cannon. Purchased at the end of the last school year, the new addition will be used at pep rallies, football games, and other community events. The cannon is a unique element for a high school, but it’s a perfect fit for the school's growing Air Force Junior ROTC program.
With a student body of nearly 100 cadets, the program is dedicated to teaching leadership, teamwork, and citizenship. We sat down with program director JROTC USAF SMSgt. (ret) Larry Nahalea to talk about the idea behind the cannon and what it means for the WHS community.
A Spark of an Idea
The idea to get a cannon came from former WHS principal Eric Anderson, who approached SMSgt. Nahalea at the end of the 2023-24 school year. As a program rooted in military customs and traditions, JROTC was the obvious choice to lead the effort. While cannons are a common sight at college ROTC programs, they are rare at the high school level, making this a truly unique addition for Wenatchee High.
“We saw this as a great way to highlight JROTC while building school pride, tradition, and spirit,” SMSgt. Nahalea explained. “It allows cadets to put classroom lessons into action in a highly visible way.”
Operating the cannon requires the kind of discipline, responsibility, and coordination that students learn every day in the JROTC program. Using it at school events will help cadets put their leadership and teamwork skills to the test while strengthening a sense of community pride.
A New Tradition to "Fire Up" Panther Fans
SMSgt. Nahalea and his cadets believe the cannon will take Panther Pride to the next level, showcasing the unique opportunities JROTC brings to WHS.
“This will create a new tradition that fires up our athletes, excites our students, and energizes Panther fans,” he said. The program is also open to showcasing the cannon at community events outside of the district, which would give JROTC further exposure while building bridges within the valley.
Safety and Security
While the cannon is designed to build excitement, school leaders want to assure the community that safety is the top priority. The cannon will be stored in a gated area and secured with a chain and padlock when not in use.
Furthermore, all black powder and fuses will be kept separately in a locked safe within the JROTC storage area, accessible only by authorized personnel. Whenever the cannon is used, cadets will be under direct instructor supervision to ensure proper handling and maximum safety at all times.