02-05-2025
New events honors Knox County seniors joining the military after graduation
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — For the first time ever, Knox County Schools hosts a special event on Thursday to recognize high school seniors who have chosen to enlist in military service following graduation.
Military enlistment is one of the three 'E's' highlighted in the district's 865 Academies initiative. The other two E's are enrolling in postsecondary education and gaining employment in a high-wage career.
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Around 75 Knox County seniors plan to enlist. Jacob Loyacano, a senior at Bearden High School, explained that he chose to enlist after speaking with his grandfather, who served in the Air Force, and learning about the community that being in the military brings. He hopes to become a fire protection specialist in the United States Air Force.
'This is just a lot better opportunity for me. The doors that open up not only while I'm in it, but also while I'm out, and the retirement plan, this is really great and just really suits me the best,' said Loyacano.
He said of his JROTC class at Bearden High School, 11 out of the 12 students plan on enlisting.
'I'm very excited. I think it's great that I'm able to serve my country as well as do something I'm very passionate about,' said Loyacano. 'It's been a long time coming, but being able to have this opportunity and serve the country and be able to help build the country that built me, I think that's just an amazing feeling.'
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The celebration was emceed by Good Morning Tennessee anchor Tearsa Smith and included a keynote address by General Arnie Bunch, a retired four-star general and current superintendent of Hamblen County Schools.
'America needs young men and women to serve in our all-volunteer force, and it's critically important that we recognize them. I think it's a fantastic event. The fact that you have so many elected officials, so many community leaders, sponsors and everything, it really shows the young men and women how much they're appreciated and what they're doing, not only for the community, but also when they wear the uniform for the nation,' said Bunch.
'It's really just an honor, especially having a four-star here and all these other distinguished guests, it's just an amazing opportunity,' said Loyacano.
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Loyacano told 6 News that after he retires from the military, he hopes to come back to the Knoxville area and work at a local fire department. He also hopes to get his degree further down the road.
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