JROTC


Naval Science (NJROTC) Program – Woodlawn High School


The Naval Science Program at Woodlawn High School, offered through the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), is a leadership development program that empowers students to become informed, responsible citizens while exploring the foundations of naval tradition, maritime science, and civic responsibility.

This elective course is open to all students and emphasizes discipline, character, academic achievement, and physical fitness. Through engaging classroom instruction, hands-on training, and participation in extracurricular activities, cadets learn valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and ethical decision-making.

Program Highlights:
  • Leadership Training: Cadets develop self-confidence and take on increasing levels of responsibility within the unit.
  • Citizenship Education: Focus on patriotism, community service, and understanding our government’s role in global affairs.
  • STEM Enrichment: Instruction in navigation, oceanography, meteorology, and naval history.
  • Physical Fitness: Cadets participate in physical training and learn the value of a healthy lifestyle.
  • Drill & Ceremonies: Participation in color guard, drill teams, and school/community events.
  • Scholarship & Career Opportunities: Exposure to military and civilian careers, with potential access to ROTC scholarships and service academy nominations.


Participation in NJROTC does not require a military commitment but provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in the military, law enforcement, public service, engineering, or leadership positions in any field. The program is led by retired U.S. Navy personnel with a combined mission to mentor, instruct, and motivate students toward personal success.


Spikes
Chief Markeith Spikes - JROTC Teacher
mspikes@bcps.org
College Attended: Trident International University (BS)
Bio: Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW) Markeith Spikes entered the United States Navy in 2000 at the age of 18. He served his country faithfully for 24 years, retiring in July 2023.
His tours of duty include basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL; USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) Norfolk, Virginia; ACU-4, Norfolk Virginia, Beachmasters Unit-2 Norfolk, Virginia; Harbor Patrol Unit Manama, Bahrain; USS Sterett (DDG-104) San Deigo, California; Port Operation, Sasebo, Japan; USS Frank Cable (AS-40) Guam; USS Frank Cable (AS-40) Guam; Harbor Patrol Unit  it Souda Bay, Greece; Port Operation Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan; USS Firebolt (PC-10 Manama, Bahrain; USS Chinook (PC-9) Manama, Bahrain.
Following his military retirement, Chief Spikes joined Amazon as an Area Manager, overseeing operations, labor allocation, and safety initiatives while leading high-performing teams to meet operational goals.
On October 29, 2024, Chief Spikes began serving as the Naval Science Instructor at Woodlawn High School, where he continues to mentor and guide NJROTC cadets in leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.