Car show to benefit Hutto JROTC students

By TOMIE V. PARKS

Editor for the Hutto News

Enrolling in the JROTC class at Hutto High School is not a one-step process.

Just like art class, supplies will need to be purchased. Unfortunately drill rifles cost more than paint.

"What the school budget doesn't pay for, we do," said Elaine Prout, JRTOC parent.

So to help JROTC families offset the additional financial burden, the group has planned a fund-raising car show, which is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 26, at Hutto High School.

Titled "Full Throttle," the event will feature more than 200 vehicles from sports cars to motorcycles. Live military displays are planned as well as a classic rock performance by the Clutch Kings band from Austin.

"You don't have to worry about bringing snacks," Prout said. "There'll be plenty of food trucks to chose from, so lunch is covered.

Anna Collins, the chief master sergeant of the Hutto JROTC, is looking forward to this inaugural event.

"It's going to be a fun day, and everything that comes in will be for the kids," Collins said. "What doesn't pay for the ceremonial uniforms and color guard equipment will go toward the end-of-the-year military ball and and scholarship fund."

To the students, preparing for the car show has become a tangible display of teamwork and leadership.

"That's why it's so important," said sophomore Michael Prout. "It's a product of what the JROTC is all about."

Third-year Cody Rutledge agreed.

"It's important for cadets to get involved in community projects," Rutledge said. "It lets us work together to accomplish big goals."

These students are proud of their work and are eager to showcase it to the community.

If you haven't registered a car, it's not too late. Contact Prout at eprout66@gmail.com to get involved. The registration fee is $20.

As for why the JROTC is an asset to education and not a waste of time, read the following testimonials from the students themselves.

• Marie Muffoletto, first year cadet: "I like the structure and discipline the corps provides. I want to help the community too, and the JROTC is a good way to do it. I hope to find a way to help homeless veterans."
• Savannah DeLeeuw, third-year cadet: "I have seen this program grow from its infancy and am proud to be a part of it."
• Kaleb Lindsey, first year cadet: "I aspire to one day become a U.S. Marine Corps Recon. So the JROTC program gives me the physical training I'll need."