KNOXVILLE, TN – The South-Doyle High School JROTC has been selected to represent Tennessee in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., a distinction awarded to only a limited number of JROTC units nationwide.
School officials said cadets will march along Constitution Avenue during Memorial Day weekend as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The parade is expected to feature more than 5,000 participants and draw an estimated 300,000 spectators.
The trip will also include visits to historic sites in Washington and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cadet Lt. Col. Johnathan Alvarez, the battalion commander, described the opportunity as “insanely monumental.”
“My goal as a leader has always been to leave a legacy for future cadets, and this is something we’ve all worked incredibly hard for,” Alvarez said.
Cadet Maj. Genniveve Cato said representing Tennessee during the country’s 250th anniversary celebration makes the experience even more meaningful.
South-Doyle’s JROTC program is led by Senior Army Instructor Marcus Vartan and was selected in part because of the battalion’s community service and leadership efforts.
In 2021, the battalion set a national record by retiring more than 6,000 American flags. School officials also highlighted the program’s high number of cadets earning ROTC scholarships or continuing into military service after graduation.
Army Instructor Juan Alvarez, a South-Doyle graduate and former cadet, said the recognition reflects years of dedication by students.
Officials said cadets and community supporters raised nearly $50,000 to fund the trip and ensure every participating student can attend at no cost.
Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Ayden Foster credited sponsors, donors, and student fundraising efforts for helping make the trip possible.
