March 26, 2026
By CORY ANN MICHEL
Rutherford County Schools
Since December 2024, Riverdale algebra II and statistics teacher, Justin McClain, has led Warrior WX Club, which seeks to educate and involve students in the science of weather and meteorology.
By immersing students in a variety of activities, opportunities and organizations, the club not only provides students with a space to learn about meteorology, but it also encourages them in the importance of weather safety and preparedness.
McClain describes having a passion and interest in meteorology since he was a child.
Spending much of his free time watching The Weather Channel, he was deeply intrigued by forecasts and radar imagery. In 2023, he earned his teacher certification with the American Meteorological Society. Once completed, he spearheaded Riverdale opening its chapter of AMS.
“The students love our club,” McClain said. “We have lots of fun learning and growing.”
The club’s roster is made up of about 40 students with meetings held twice per month. They host expert guest speakers, participate in community outreach, and report precipitation levels daily to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The club is also a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
To hold a position of leadership within the club, students must be credentialed in SKYWARN Spotter and successfully complete relevant educational modules. Students are also responsible for being trained in emergency communications and many are actively pursuing their amateur radio licenses.
Ashlee Arrington, a junior in the club, has recently completed her certifications to be elected in the upcoming officer elections. She hopes to become a part-time storm chaser and describes how the club has propelled her desire to help others during major storm events.
“It has revealed a passion and love that I didn't know existed,” Arrington says. “Above all, I believe this will also help me with my future career as a United States Airforce aviator, as the weather is a major impact on flight.”
The Warrior WX club has also recently attained amateur radio as a Tier 1 CTE credential in Tennessee.
“Being part of the club has sparked a deeper interest in meteorology and strengthened my confidence as a leader,” current president, Vanessa Luanglath says. “As president, I’ve also enjoyed encouraging other members to stay curious, participate, and feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Watching everyone support each other and build confidence in their interests has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of the club.”
You can learn more about Riverdale’s AMS chapter here https://chapters.ametsoc.org/united-states/murfreesboro/pre-college/warrior-wx-club-–-riverdale-high-school-chapter-of-the-ams