Over the summer, former Southeast JROTC instructor LTC Shannon Pool left to become Director of JROTC and Leadership for USD 259.

“Well, that speaks a lot. Not just only on him, but all the instructors at Southeast. Southeast has the biggest program in Wichita and with that said out, that means that we have the best instructors and Colonel Pool was the best fit to take Colonel Hester’s job,” said Cpt. Reyes Alvarez, who took over for Pool as JROTC instructor at Southeast.

Pool was at Southeast for 14 years and built bonds with several students and many were sad to see him go. 

“I miss coming downstairs and having like, the loving, caring energy in the classroom and like getting to see him every day. But I know he’s going to be doing well in the new place,” said JROTC member Grace Burrows (12), who had Pool for her first three years in the program. 

Colonel Robert Hester was the previous head of JROTC for Wichita Public schools for 26 years and has recently retired from the position Colonel Pool is taking. Many are excited for Pool to continue his career and proceed with the new opportunities that have been given to him.

“I think they could not have chosen probably a better person…. And so, the fact that he’s now in charge of all programs, including high school and middle school, now he’s able to help not only Southeast but he’s able to help hundreds of other cadets,” JROTC member Jace Arellano (12) said.

While students are sad that Pool has left Southeast, he feels he has left the program in good hands. 

“We had a good instructor to take over here at Southeast High School with Captain Alvarez. So, I felt real comfortable leaving the high school in his hands because he is such a good instructor teacher and has great experience to do very well in this job,” Pool said.

Students we spoke to wish Pool well in his future and know that they will keep in touch.

“Colonel, I hope you do good. You know, I love you man,” JROTC member Dominic Hall (12) said. “If you need me, I’ll always be here, even when I graduate. You’ve got my number bro. I love you man.”