Former JROTC Cadets Remember Beloved Teacher Killed in Crash

A beloved instructor and mentor, Wesley Sterner, died on November 2, 2023, after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected impaired driver while riding his bicycle. The incident occurred in the northwest valley near West Grand Teton Drive and North Shaumber Road. Sterner, 77, was an esteemed figure among former Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets at Western High School, where he served as a prominent instructor during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Charles Carter, 69, the driver involved in the crash, reportedly admitted to using marijuana and consuming an unspecified amount of alcohol before the collision. Witnesses stated that Sterner attempted to maneuver his bicycle to avoid the impact but was tragically unsuccessful. His untimely death has left a profound impact on countless students who regarded him as a father figure.

Legacy of Mentorship and Care

Former cadets remember Sterner not just as an instructor but as a pivotal influence in their lives. Alexis Penn, a graduate from Western High School in 1997, expressed her disbelief at the loss, stating, “He was the man that I always thought would live forever because of just how and who he was as a person.” Many former students echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Sterner’s combination of authority and warmth.

Cadets joined the JROTC program for various reasons—whether to pursue military careers, meet new friends, or simply avoid physical education. Regardless of their motivations, they found in Sterner a supportive mentor. Amanda Reber, a graduate from 2003, recalled how Sterner provided a source of guidance during challenging times, particularly after her parents’ divorce. “He was always that person that would put a smile on your face, even if he didn’t know you,” she said.

Many former cadets strived to earn his approval, with Staci Groth, a 1998 graduate, recalling a time she endured pain from a cactus injury to compete in a drill competition. “I did it for my team and for him,” Groth said, highlighting the deep respect and admiration they held for Sterner.

Teaching Beyond the Classroom

Sterner’s lessons extended beyond military drills. He taught his cadets essential life skills, including practical financial knowledge. Former students noted that he would assist families with tax preparation, demonstrating his commitment to their futures. Groth mentioned that Sterner helped her file taxes after she became a substitute teacher at the school.

His passion for accounting inspired students like Penn and Teresa Garcia, a 2002 graduate, to pursue careers in finance. Garcia credited Sterner with providing her foundational knowledge about managing finances, which she continues to apply today. She fondly recalled their last conversation a year ago when she shared her plans to pursue an accounting degree, and he encouraged her to inform him of her graduation date.

As the community grapples with the loss of such a significant figure, a memorial service for Sterner is scheduled. Ghost Bikes Las Vegas plans to honor him by placing a white bicycle at the site of the accident. In the meantime, tributes have appeared at the location, including candles, mini American flags, and a helmet adorned with sunflowers.

Reber encapsulated the sentiments of many in a heartfelt letter she wrote after learning of his passing. “You always took pride in your students and treated us as your own,” she expressed, underscoring the lasting impact Sterner had on those he taught.

Wesley Sterner’s legacy as a mentor, teacher, and friend will continue to resonate within the lives he touched for many years to come. His contributions to the JROTC program and the personal growth of his cadets remain a testament to his enduring influence.