Port Angeles High School NJROTC members display the regional championship plaque they earned in armed drill

Port Angeles High School NJROTC members display the regional championship plaque they earned in armed drill

Port Angeles NJROTC unit sees mixed results in regional competition

PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps armed drill team successfully defended its regional title, but the unit fell short of placing overall at the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference Championship on Saturday.

Roughrider Company’s armed drill team — 21 cadets who compete in regulation and exhibition style close order drill — took first place in tight competition with other top units at the regional competition in Spanaway.

The two four-member color guard units took fifth and sixth place in their divisions, said Capt. Jonathan Picker, senior naval science instructor for the unit.

“Our cadets did a tremendous job this weekend, and I’m so proud of their efforts. Their dedication and determination throughout the school year has been extraordinary,” Picker said.

Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Cade Levine individually placed third as the armed drill team commander.

Master Chief Jeff Perry coaches the drill team.

The regional competition includes Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps JROTC units from 28 schools from Washington and Oregon.

The Roughrider’s drill team and color guards, along with the air rifle and fitness teams, earned the overall Olympic Division championship earlier this year.

The air rifle and fitness teams did not qualify for the regional competition.

There are more than 120 cadets in Roughrider Company, where students learn military structure, the history of the Navy, leadership and organization skills, and take part in activities such as Coast Guard boat safety training.

There is no military service required for cadets to take part, but students who complete three years of JROTC programs are eligible for a promotion upon enlistment, and college ROTC scholarships and academy appointments are available for eligible cadets from top units.

Cybersecurity option

Cadets also take part in academic competition and the CyberPatriot cybersecurity competition.

They also compile more than 2,000 public service hours each year.

In 2015, the cadets from Roughrider Company earned the overall championship by taking first place in the Armed Drill Team category while Color Guard Team 1 won second place, Color Guard Team 2 won third, the Physical Strength Team tied for second place and four students earned individual honors.

________

Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Sunlight reflects off the skull of Gunther, the California gray whale carcass on display on the pier in Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
The golden hour

Sunlight reflects off the skull of Gunther, the California gray whale carcass… Continue reading

The state is looking to turn Miller Peninsula, a 2,800-acre undeveloped park east of Sequim, into a destination state park with a visitors center, cabins, picnic areas and more. Some locals oppose the move. (Warren Wilson)
Opponents want park to stay day use

State updates plan for Miller Peninsula

Sequim staff plan to send a proposal to the state this month to potentially fund sewer and water lift stations on West Sequim Bay Road using new developments’ property taxes through a Tax Increment Area by Sequim Bay in a 363-acre area. It would require the city to prove that developments in the area wouldn’t happen without the stations. The city council also would have to approve it. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim exploring funding mechanism to incentivize development

City would create district, repurpose tax dollars for lift stations

Fred Rix of Port Angeles, right, looks over floral arrangements with Ann O’Neill, an employee of Angel Crest Gardens of Port Angeles at a temporary stand at First and Race streets in Port Angeles on Valentine’s Day. Rix said he wanted roses for his wife, Wendy Rix, for their 55th wedding anniversary. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Valentine’s roses

Fred Rix of Port Angeles, right, looks over floral arrangements with Ann… Continue reading

Port Angeles-owned Lancashire Heeler “Ki” poses with handler and co-owner Chelsy Pendleton of Utah with their ribbon. Ki placed as Best of Opposite Sex at the 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
PA dog places at famous show

Lancashire Heeler wins ribbon at Westminster

x
Nominations open for Community Service awards

Forms due March 25; event scheduled for May 1

Poplars to be removed in spring

Boat Yard expansion part of larger project

Jeffco Aquatic Coalition launches pool survey

Results intended to inform design process

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few miles south of Port Angeles. While the Peninsula has seen temperatures below freezing this week, a warming trend is expected by this weekend with highs reaching the upper 40s and overnight lows in the 30s. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Winter snowscape

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few… Continue reading