JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Seven students from Andrew Jackson High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps were taken to the hospital following a medical emergency at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The incident happened during the Pass and Review and Awards Ceremony held to recognize 179 cadets at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
It is unknown what caused the students to undergo a medical emergency, according to NAS Jacksonville.
Action News Jax has reached out to Duval County Public Schools and received the following response:
“First, we want to send our thoughts and best wishes to the students who fell ill at the event and to their family members. School leadership will connect with those families and students to support them in any way possible as they recover.
“As we learn more about what caused this situation, we will certainly review our practices and determine if anything can be done to prevent something like this from happening in the future. Right now, we are in the fact-finding phase while hoping for the quick recovery of those students impacted.”
The principal of Andrew Jackson High School sent the following message to students and families:
“As you know, we are a family here, and I wanted to make sure you heard from me directly regarding the incident yesterday involving some members of our AFJROTC Academy. You are likely aware from media reports that seven of our AFJRTOC students required medical transport to the hospital during a scheduled awards ceremony Wednesday evening. I was at the event and have been in contact with the students and families involved. I can tell you that thankfully all students have been released from the hospital and are with their families. School and district support teams are also in contact with the students to provide support. While at this time we don’t know the exact cause of what happened, we will be meeting with our AFJROTC students and families as well as district staff to review this situation and determine if any changes need to take place with regards to AFJROTC procedures. Depending on our review, this can include guidance regarding hydration, amount of time standing at attention, and recommendations on posture. Again, we do not know the exact cause, but we will be reviewing this incident and meeting with our JRTOC family. As always, thank you for being a part of the Andrew Jackson family and please don’t hesitate to contact me at the school if you have any questions.”
This is a developing story that will be updated once more information becomes available.