The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) military drill team earned awards at the Pike High School Drill Meet in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 3, 2018. 16 schools participated, many of whom have enrollments twice the size of MCHS. The Unarmed Platoon, commanded by Cadet Major James Steinhagen, earned a second-place trophy. Cadet First Lieutenant Tyler Stockley commanded the Armed Platoon, which earned a third-place trophy. Also performing well were the Color Guard commanded by Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Griffin Wyatt, finishing 5th, and the Armed Exhibition Platoon, also commanded by Stockley, which also finished fifth. The competition was judged by midshipmen from the Purdue University Navy/Marine Corps ROTC. Two of the midshipmen are former MCHS cadets who earned ROTC scholarships worth up to $180.000.00.
“This is a competitive meet with some of the large Indianapolis schools competing, along with perennial power East Aurora” said Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor. Our cadets accorded themselves very well against some really good schools.”
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, also complimented the cadets on their performance. “We are using this as a stepping stone to the Marine Corps Nationals next month,” he said. The Marine Corps National Meet will be held on April 21st in Gray, TN. MCHS is one of 15 schools selected out of the 250 MCJROTC schools nationally. The trip will be conducted at no cost to MCHS or the cadets. Transportation and lodging will be funded by the Marine Corps and meals will be provided by the JROTC Booster Club.
The cadets will be busy throughout March. On the 10th, they will support the Boys Basketball Regional Tournament, march in the Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and provide a Color Guard for the Daughters of the American Revolution Awards Night. The following week, they travel to Ft. Wayne to compete in the Concordia High School Drill Meet. Cadets will support the Michigan City Spring Garden Show on March 23-24. They finished the month with supporting the first home track meet on March 30th.