Twenty-six soon-to-be graduates of South Bend schools ceremonially signed their intent to join the military this morning at a joint ceremony attended by their principals, superintendent and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
This is the first year South Bend Community Schools has done a ceremony together for all district graduates joining the military. Superintendent Kenneth Spells. “I see students that are going to gain strong leadership skills. Students that are going to be leaders of this country and students that I’m very proud of.” Spells is a Navy veteran.
For some of the students, like soon-to-be Riley graduate Jordan Alexander, joining the military is a way to get an education as well.
“The navy, or just the military in general is just a great way to eliminate the student debt," Alexander said. "It’s a great experience you get job experience, work experience and you get free school.”
Mayor Pete Buttigieg said he’s proud to see these students serve and hopes they come back to South Bend. “These young men and women are going to gain skills. They’re going to form relationships that will make them an asset to any community and I want them to come right back here to South Bend and be part of the life of the city when they’re done with their military service.” Buttigieg is also a Navy veteran.
The 26 students will be going into the Air Force, Army, Marine Corp and Navy. As well as one student to West Point and one to the Naval Academy.