Hundreds of Phoenix-area high schoolers honored for military enlistment
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — High School seniors face tough decisions about what road they’ll take after graduation. On Thursday night, 400 students from Valley high schools were honored at the 2025 Military Induction Ceremony at Desert Diamond Arena.
“It’s important that each of you know that your community supports you and your family. We appreciate you and your sacrifice,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers.
Students donned their military branch stoles, and once up on stage, they received their first challenge coin and a certificate of appreciation.
“It’s an honor to be here. It’s an honor to serve. Not a lot of people do it anymore, and I feel like it’s a key thing that people need to see,” said Karol Arroyl, an Army National Guard recruit. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s not only helping serve, but it’s helping me with school. School is not cheap anymore. I am going to college to become a lawyer.”
According to the Department of Defense, more people enlisted in fiscal year 2024 than in the previous year. However, it reported there is still less interested and eligible youth.
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