JROTC shows real leadership in our school through their participation in veteran’s assemblies and being willing to help with whatever job needs to be done around the Activity Center. Now, they are showing this leadership outside of our school in two new ways.
On January 20th, the Harrison JROTC competed against other schools in the 2024 drill competition run by our ROTC sister unit, Xavier University. Everyone who participated was very nervous, as Harrison hasn’t participated in a drill competition since 2017.
A drill competition is an opportunity for high school JROTC cadets from around the Tri-State area to perform their practiced drill and ceremony for judges. The drill is the same as they perform at assemblies and graduation. They are judged on carrying their rifles properly, staying in cadence (stepping at the same time), calling clear commands, and being able to march neatly and precisely.
One of our Harrison students, Logan Michels, won 1st place in the individual exhibition. Logan Michels explains, “Overall I’m proud of everybody on all the teams, especially our team captains.” Michels also mentions, “For me being team captain was definitely nerve wracking.” Command Sergeant Major Sheward explained, “It was great that they got that program started again, and so it gave us an opportunity to go and see how our drill and ceremony abilities, compared to our fellow JROTCs around the community.” Overall the Harrison drill team placed 4th in the competition. Great job Harrison JROTC and good luck on the next competition!
Along with JROTC competitions, our JROTC program also offers JLAB. This stands for JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl. Command Sergeant Major Sheward explained, “It tests our leadership abilities as well as our academics in a bowl across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. So, with those five states, we compete against other schools.” The students who are on the leadership team, Madison Macintyre, Nick Shallick, Logan Michels, Cameron Whitt, and Isaiah Delafield are all going into the next round. Cameron Whitt explained the test: “It teaches us common sense and leadership skills, it shows you the basics of being a leader.” The online test consists of what you learn in JROTC, important life skills, and leadership skills. The first round was said to be very enjoyable. The next round will take place on February 1st-15th. Good luck in the next round!
JROTC is a wonderful activity to do at your highschool. Although it’s seen as a military class or pre-military training, it has a lot more details that benefit students. JROTC is a class that teaches you how to be a civilized human being and to have respect for yourself and others. You’re taught responsibility, discipline, and most importantly respect. “It helps you outside for military and non-military life skills, it teaches you how to be a better person,” said Emma Humes.
Overall, the Harrison JROTC is being given a lot of new opportunities to show examples of leadership and academics. Harrison JROTC will be going to the next competition on February 3rd at the Woodlawn Ohio Army National Guard Recruiting sponsored by Live Oaks. Look forward to more JROTC events in the future.
