Dunkirk schools Superintendent Dr. James Tracy was right on the mark when he referred to the High School JROTC as “a diamond.” He spoke last week during a ceremony to honor the 63 dedicated students who are part of the program.

Led by Lt. Col. Russell Clark and Sgt. 1st Class Frank Torain, the battalion learns discipline, respect and community service. It is a unique program — and the only one offered in the north county.

In 2015, the program received county honors during the Chamber of Commerce banquet. There, members did the traditional posting of the colors like they do at so many other events they attend or are participants in.

There has been talk that the JROTC may be a victim in a proposed reduction of courses at the high school. Tracy reassured the group that would not be the case. “(It’s) one of the key programs in the school,” he said.

That is a special salute.