Joppatowne High School's JROTC program welcomed Cadets back for the new school year with a visit from Brigadier General Maria Bochat, Command Sergeant Major Dennis Kirk, and members of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Command from Aberdeen Proving Ground. The visit has become an annual tradition, giving Cadets a memorable start to the school year and a direct connection to the military community that surrounds Harford County.

Joining General Bochat and Command Sergeant Major Kirk were additional members of the 20th CBRNE Command, along with Superintendent Dyann R. Mack, senior staff from Harford County Public Schools, and members of both the Harford County Board of Education and the Maryland State Board of Education.

During the visit, General Bochat and Dr. Mack spoke directly with Cadets about the range of paths available to them after graduation. Both shared their own career journeys, offering Cadets a look at how varied and personal those paths can be. They also introduced the concept of "Ready by Design," a framework built around three postsecondary outcomes: employment, enlistment, or enrollment in a postsecondary program.

By hearing directly from leaders like General Bochat, who have navigated their own career decisions, students gained a clearer picture of what preparation and intentional planning can look like in practice.

Joppatowne's JROTC program continues to benefit from its close relationship with Aberdeen Proving Ground and the 20th CBRNE Command. The partnership gives Cadets access to mentorship and real-world perspective that few programs can offer, reinforcing the value of military and community partnerships in preparing students for what comes next.