Four times a year, Arlington High School (AHS) Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) cadets pick up litter along Highway 9 near the high school to keep the roadway clean. The cadets clean the highway through the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway Program.
“The high school’s AFJROTC program has been cleaning a portion of Highway 9 since around 2007,” said Major Mike Blue, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. “Along with keeping the highway clean, safety is our main priority. Cadets need to watch a training video, wear safety vests, gloves and hard hats, and have to be at least 15 years old to participate in the litter cleanup.”
The litter cleanup is just one of the many community service projects the AFJROTC cadets participate in throughout the year. They are required to perform a number of community service hours as part of AFJROTC.
“The litter clean up is a great way to bond with other cadets,” said AHS 11th grader Levi Christoffersen. “One time when cleaning up litter, we saw a snake!”
Motorists are also appreciative of the cadets’ efforts.
“As we’re cleaning up the roadway, drivers will honk and wave at us,” said AHS 11th grader Eric Garberding. “It’s a great way to give back and help the community.”