West Valley High School, Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) has been designated a Naval Honor School as of August 12, 2023, marking the third year in a row that the program at West Valley HS, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has received this honor under the Direction of Chief Warrant Officer-5 Carlos V. Cruz (Ret.) and Staff Sergeant Travis Walker (Ret.).

The selection is based on several criteria, including the number of cadets active in school activities and clubs, the number of community service hours for the unit as a whole and per cadet, the number of organizations assisted by the unit, and scholastic achievements, including the number of academic awards and scholarships given to cadets. The units are also measured by participation in public affairs events, community service, drill/color guard team competitions, marksmanship competitions, academic competitions, leadership camps, physical fitness team competitions, and field trips.

Because of this prestigious distinction, we can send nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the Military Academy at West Point. The award also gives students who desire to join a service academy the significant advantage of earning recommendation letters from their Senior Marine Corps JROTC instructor, CWO-5 Cruz, who, under this award designation, carries just as much weight as a letter from a U.S. Representative or Senator.

Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, MCJROTC, is a WVHS elective structured to teach leadership traits and principles to develop young men and women into leaders, supervisors, and role models. MCJROTC is a uniformed, military-structured environment where cadet leaders train and supervise younger cadets under the supervision of retired US Marine Officers and SNCOs.

While there is no obligation to join the military by participating in MCJROTC, all cadets benefit from leadership traits and principles. These leadership traits and principles are practiced and applied daily in all classrooms and activities. Cadets are expected to set the example and to exceed school standards. Those cadets who demonstrate the desire to lead are rewarded with positions of responsibility and supervision.