New Haven Independent

On Monday, Hillhouse Principal Dr. Lonnie Garris, Jr. (on left in file photo, with actor and Hillhouse grad Ernest Borgnine) came before the Board of Ed’s Administration and Finance Committee to make sure such opportunities continue.

He sought refunding for two contracts that provide Junior ROTC instruction at Hillhouse over the next school year. The contracts, between the board and two instructors, David Boudreau and Lisa Rodriguez, amount to $95,000 and $68,000 respectively.

The contracts were approved by the committee members. They now go to the full board for final approval.

The U.S. Army, said Garris, will reimburse the Board of Ed a third of Boudreau’s salary and approximately half of Rodriguez. The balance is paid for by the Board of Ed.

Garris said that his program is the only one in the school system and one of only five Junior ROTC programs in the state. “It wins awards, we’re proud of it,” he said, “and it provides lots of opportunities, including scholarships, some full, some partial.”

Offered as an elective, Junior ROTC offers what you’d expect by way of training but also considerable emphasis on public service. Randolph, and others of the 87 Hillhouse kids enrolled, for example, were the tour guides at the recent sesquicentennial celebration of Hillhouse’s founding.

The program at Hillhouse is in its eighth year, and under the leadership of Rodriguez and Boudreau for four.