By Jordan Jenkins
Though most students not actively involved in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or JROTC, program may not be able to recognize him by name, there is little doubt that the man who heads it up, First Sergeant Dreher, is a staple of the Apopka High School community. He is the senior instructor for the Apopka High School JROTC program, which serves to introduce middle and high school students throughout America to aspects of the United States Armed Forces, and has been involved with it as a faculty member for nearly two decades. Prior to his work here, he served in the United States Marine Corps for around two decades, where he earned his rank of First Sergeant.
Can you tell me about your role here at Apopka High School?
I am the senior instructor of the JROTC program here at Apopka.
How long have you been in this role?
I have been in charge of it for three years; I’ve been teaching it for seventeen and a half.
Prior to this, what was your occupation?
Prior to teaching JROTC here at Apopka, I was in the Marine Corp. I was in the Marine Corp for twenty-one years.
What is your favorite part about teaching here at Apopka High School?
My favorite part about being here at Apopka high school is the comradery between the teachers and the staff. My favorite part about teaching JROTC is molding young students and giving them discipline and a view toward the future. Some of them will go into the military, and they will go in as better applicants and better recruits. Some will go on to civilian jobs, but they will apply what they learned here, and they will look better. It makes me feel good to know I was a part of it.