GLASGOW, Ky. — The JROTC program at Barren County High School has earned one of the highest honors possible following a recent national inspection, school officials announced.

Cadets received a score of 99.3 during a March 18 evaluation conducted by United States Army Cadet Command, securing the designation of “Honor Unit with Distinction.”

The inspection, known as the Junior Program Accreditation, takes place every three years and measures the overall effectiveness of a JROTC program.

At Barren County, cadets were evaluated on multiple components, including a color guard presentation, drill platoon performance, interviews, portfolio reviews and formal briefings.

Principal Letitia Hughes said the recognition reflects the effort put in by both students and instructors.

“This recognition reflects the dedication, discipline, and leadership of our JROTC instructors and cadets,” Hughes said.

A major part of this year’s evaluation focused on the program’s service learning project, which centers on volunteer work with the Barren River Animal Welfare Association.

Cadets regularly assist at the shelter by cleaning cages, bathing dogs, organizing supplies and helping care for animals.

Cadet Brooklyn Lane, who helped coordinate the effort, said students volunteer weekly and take on a variety of responsibilities.

“We volunteer at the animal shelter every week as part of our service learning project,” Lane said. “As a group, we take on whatever is needed to support the shelter.”

School officials said the achievement highlights the program’s commitment to leadership development, academic success and community service.