Napoleon once said that men would fight long and hard for a piece of colored ribbon. Major Tom McGrath, Senior Marine Instructor for the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior ROTC (MCJROTC) paraphrased that quote stating that “cadets will work long and hard for a piece of colored ribbon.” Cadets received awards earned during the school year for participation and achievements in various activities ranging from the military drill team to community service at their Awards Ceremony on May 28th at the high school.
This year, the cadets have conducted over 3000 hours of community service, participated in 30 parades and ceremonies, competed in 4 military drill competitions, 7 marksmanship competitions, 3 physical fitness competitions, and 2 Cyber Patriot (the national computer security game) competition. Last summer, cadets attended a basic leadership camp and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camp. This summer, cadets will attend the same types of camps and will also attend a senior leadership camp.
Twelve cadets received awards for individual achievements. They were:
Cadet Sergeant Ellysa Smith, the Woman Marine’s Association award as the Top Female Sophomore cadet;
Cadet Sergeant Cody Fagley, the Daughters of the American Revolution as the most versatile cadet;
Cadet Corporal Jacob Williams, the National Sojouners Award for the Most Dedicated Freshman;
Cadet Captain Alex Wyman, the American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence;
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Quinton Dixon, the Military Officers Association Award for the Most Improved Cadet;
Cadet Sergeant Cameron Greenway, The Reserve Officers Association Award for the Most Dedicated Sophomore;
Cadet Staff Sergeant Jalen Stockley, the American Legion Award for Military Excellence;
Cadet Sergeant Cameron Wilcher, Veterans of Foreign Wars Award for the Most Improved Drill Cadet;
Cadet First Sergeant Javier Greene, the Marine Corps League Award for his performance as the unit color sergeant;
Cadet Julia Thode, the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Most Community Service Hours for a female cadet;
Cadet Staff Sergeant Shiquan Stephens, the Marine Corps League Award for the Most Community Service Hours for a male cadet.
Several of the local chapters of the organizations sponsoring the above awards had representatives to present the awards: Jim Hodges and Tim Vaughan, Marine Corps League; Bob Hock, American Legion; Mike Fulkerson, Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Randall Ecksley, Sons of the American Revolution.
“These cadets have put much time and effort into representing Michigan City High School and the Marine Corps. I think that they have done a very fine job,” said Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak.
The cadets will be working the Grand Prix Boat Races at Stone Lake in LaPorte on May 30th. 31st and June 1st, and the MCHS graduation June 8th prior to attending their basic leadership camp in Bloomington, IN June 9-14.
