JHS AFJROTC PLACES AT STATE MEET

The Dragon Group competed at the Air Force JROTC State Drill Meet at East Paulding High School on March 6^th and came home with 3 top finishes.  The Drill Team led by Cadet Clay Gooch, placed 4^th (team members: Miguel Rodriguez, Lance Wilson, Andre Gonzales, Amber Simerly, Juliann Watson, Miranda Bellew, Timmy Warren, Mark Weaver, Maribel Rodriguez, Derrick Alderson, William Baldwin, Carlos Mendoza, and Milan Patel).  The Drill Team was hoping for a stronger finish, but with an injury to one of the team members the day before the meet, there had to be a last minute replacement.  “This hurt the team because the replacement member had not practiced with this particular team, but placing 4^th demonstrates that these young men and women are determined to finish strong," stated Major Bryan Watson, team instructor. 

The surprise of the day was when the announcement was made for the Unarmed Color Guard Commander Trophy.  JHS Dragon Freshman Juliann Watson brought home the honors as the #1 Unarmed Color Guard Commander for 2010.  “This is amazing that a freshman cadet could take home a state championship,” stated Colonel Paul Neiheisel of East Paulding High School.  Her team of Heather Simerly, Mark Weaver, and Cassandra Slaby brought home 3^rd Place in the Color Guard Division.  Watson also finished 5^th out of 418 cadets in the Individual Drill Routine Competition. 

Unlike most high school competitions, JROTC does not distinguish between school sizes.  This leads to AA teams like Jefferson, competing against AAAAA teams.  “As you can see, we go up against some very large schools, but our cadets work hard and hold their own against these large schools,” stated Chief Master Sergeant Budell Willis, team coach.   The Dragon Group will be traveling to Macon to compete in the Air Force National Eastern Division Drill Competition on March 19th.