JROTC makes the mark at annual MLK drill meet

Gloucester High School’s JROTC shot its way to the top in the annual Regional Martin Luther King drill and shooting meet on January 12th and 13th, keeping their title as undefeated shooting champions. Thirteen High school JROTC programs from Region 1 gathered at GHS for the two day meet . 

Along with the rifle team winning first place, GHS sophomore and co-captain Haley Skalski won top shooter of the entire competition.

“I am honored to have received this award,” said Skalski. “I slowly progressed to get to where I am now. I want to say thank you to my coach, Gunner (Richard Muth), who helped me in the beginning to get me to where I am today.”

On day one, Rifle teams from 13 Region 1 schools gathered in the GHS cafeteria to try to aim their way to first place. On day two, schools met in the GHS field house to compete in the annual drill competition.

“I appreciate this award,” said sophomore and rifle team co-captain Robert Williams. “It took a lot for us to get as far as we have as a team. We work like a big family who is never afraid to ask for help when it is needed. I’m glad to call myself a part of the Rifle Team.”

Drill competitions consist of 11 events. These events are Armed and Unarmed Color Guard, Armed and Unarmed Regulation Drill, Armed and Unarmed Exhibition Drill, Armed and Unarmed Duel, Armed and Unarmed Inspection, and New Cadet.

At the drill meet, Gloucester High School won first place in unarmed color guard as well as third place in unarmed inspection.

“Although the team is comprised of mostly first year cadets, their hard work and dedication showed through in their performance,” said GHS senior,  drill team captain, and GHS JROTC Cadet Commanding Officer Soo Ae Ono. “The week before the competition, the whole exhibition routine was put together and even on the day of the competition, things [in the routine] were changed.

“I am extremely proud of how everyone did because of how far they have come,” continued Ono. “They continue to inspire me to want to become a better captain and continuously encourage one another, which is motivating to see.”