After war was declared on Germany in the spring of 1917, several boys of the school organized a military company and began drilling during lunch. The principal, Prof. Robinson, paid little attention thinking it would wear out. However, a few weeks passed and the enthusiasm of the boys had not lessened. Prof. Robinson took notice and requested Coach Freeman to instruct the boys in drill, at the same time lengthening lunch by twenty minutes to allow them time to drill. Upon the opening of school the next year, a meeting of the boys was called and the company was reorganized. After a few weeks of drill, the School Board took notice of their work and secured a drillmaster to instruct them. Coach Freeman had since been commissioned by the Army.  J.W. Dyke, formerly a lieutenant in the Florida National Guard, was secured and they made rapid progress.

 

In 1935, the U.S. Army took sponsorship of the corps and they then became the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. (J.R.O.T.C.) This organization was a source of constant pride and admiration since its establishment in this school. They were outstanding both in this county and state, winning such an excess of awards that some of the recent awards had to be given away due to lack of space. The Drum and Fife Corps was organized in 1914 under the supervision of Dr. Sumter Lowry, and with the material aid of the Tampa Gasparilla Association and the County School Board. The first appearance of the corps was made during the 1915 Gasparilla Carnival after only six short weeks of practice. This corps was the forerunner of the present day marching band and the J.R.O.T.C. Drum and Bugle Corps.

At right, HHS ROTC circa 1940s