This school year has brought many new staff members to the Mooresville Corporation and with that came Colonel Mark South. This is South’s first year at Mooresville High School and he splits his day between his JROTC program and overseeing the new Student Support Center.

When South is in the Student Support Center he is watching over a group of student interns who are helping other students through tutoring and such things.

South’s JROTC program provides a unique opportunity for students who might be interested in joining the military to learn the discipline they may need. The program is not limited to those interested in the military because the class also offers teachings for some life skills.

”His class is really fun and I’m hoping to do some more stuff in there,” freshman Braxton Steele.

South did not go to basic training straight away like most did but went through a few programs to get certifications and leadership training. He got his teaching license in the late ’90s and just recently retired from the military four years ago. He taught at a private school for two years and then Indianapolis Public Schools for one year before coming to Mooresville this year.

South finds unique ways to connect with students and is not afraid to share a story or two about either his time in the military or his younger years. During his college years, South actually became fluent in German and uses it often today.

“I like being able to speak to him in German and also just learning about his life ,” junior Dilara Goecman said.

South has been a great addition to the Mooresville staff this year and plans to continue expanding his JROTC program. So far the program has learned skills like how to march, raising the flag, and proper military dress. JROTC has attended a few events around Mooresville where they were given the opportunity to present the flags during the opening of events. The group has already worked with air rifles, but South plans to get his students more opportunities with them to practice.