More than 100 students at Panther Valley High School carry on a noble tradition through participation in the school's Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, a program rich in heritage.

The Army JROTC program was launched with passage of the National Defense Act of 1916.It no longer serves as a source of recruits, but is a highly valued, character-building initiative.JROTC cadets are expected to live by a core set of values: Duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity, personal courage, respect and honor.Recently, school administrators decided that JROTC participants should no longer be excused to take part in military funerals.Certainly that decision is in no way a reflection of disrespect toward veterans, the military, the students or legion or VFW groups.Instead, the district simply wants to ensure that student education comes first. And rightfully so.However, it's also understandable that the proud JROTC tradition at Panther Valley has grown to the point where student-cadet participation at funerals is vital, valued and appreciated.In fact, in July, members of Lansford American Legion Riders made a donation to the Panther Valley JROTC program in a gesture of appreciation and support.A VFW official appeared at last week's Panther Valley school board meeting to ask the board for reconsideration on the decision regarding veterans' funerals.Obviously, this is one of those scenarios where administrators will need to achieve a delicate balance.Education must come first.And nobody is arguing that cadets' training is an education, too.Cadets learn many life skills from discipline and protocol, to understanding leadership roles and how to present oneself at a job interview.When a cadet honors a deceased veteran, the show of respect is something all parties will carry with them for the rest of their lives.The corps is a proven success story, and we're sure school administrators agree.Truth is, Panther Valley School District should be commended for its support of a popular program spanning decades.The young men and women taking part over the years have matured into well-rounded citizens with a sense of respect and honor.They're Panther Valley ambassadors.The Panther Valley JROTC program and its cadets have grown to become a source of pride for the entire region.Hopefully, the administration's education committee will find a way to maintain JROTC momentum without compromising essential classroom time necessary and required for a thorough, well-rounded education.By DONALD R. SERFASS |

dserfass@tnonline.com