The North East ISD 62-foot rappel tower will provide powerful life lessons for students and community groups.
During Friday's ribbon cutting on October 18, 2024, North East ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sean Maika rappelled off the 50-foot wall as students, NEISD Board of Trustee members, the North East Educational Foundation Board, and the media watched below. International School of the Americas (ISA) Principal Steve Magadance also took on the intimidating structure, proving to his students that they, too, can conquer their fears.
"This is a classroom. Yes, the tower is fun, but this is a classroom," said NEISD Director of Army Instruction, Col. William LaChance. "To see what happens with those kids, to see them totally terrified to go through the process, to gain confidence. That's what this is all about. These are life lessons that carry these kids."
Now that the tower is complete, students can access the 50-foot rappelling wall, the 25-foot rappelling wall, the 36-foot rock climbing wall, and the training ramp. JROTC students showed their skill as they scaled the rock climbing wall during the opening ceremony.
"What an honor it is to have something like this," said Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School senior Davis Martindale. "I am super excited. It's going to be a lot of fun. It builds camaraderie and builds community. It's just super massive! It's awesome."
The rappel tower was made possible by the NEISD Board of Trustees and generous donors like Gordon Hartman. Hartman donated $25,000 to secure the naming rights of the tower, which will be known as Morgan's Tower after his daughter.
The tower serves several purposes. It will help students overcome fear and self-doubt, teach them about equipment and how to trust others. Community groups, law enforcement teams and visiting cadets from across the country will also have access to the tower.
The tower is the newest addition to our 22-acre JROTC training and competition facility known as Camp Henson. The camp also offers a 15-obstacle challenge course, a rope bridge course, running trails and more.
Watch a video about the rappel tower or learn more about the JROTC program at NEISD.
