The cadets of the MCJROTC had a busy summer, and did not break stride as the school year started. During the June- August academic break, cadets participated in two week-long camps: a leadership camp in Ohio and a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) camp in Massachusetts. Both camps were conducted at no cost to MCAS or the cadet. Funding was provided by the Marine Corps, local veterans groups, and the MCJROTC Booster Club.
This past school year, cadets provided over 3300 hours of community service and participated in 49 parades and ceremonies in the Michigan City/LaPorte County area. Over the summer, cadets worked the Grand Prix boat races at the Michigan City Marina, the national Drum and Bugle Corps competition at Ames Field, the district-wide Back-To-School Rally held at Elston Middle School, and the Adopt-A-Highway project, cleaning routes 421 and 6.
Cadets marched in the La Porte County Independence Day parade and the Michigan City Summer Festival Parade. The Color Guard participated in the Michigan City 4th of July ceremony, the opening ceremonies for the Grand Prix and Drum and Bugle Corps competitions, and the Superintendent's Opening School Year Address. They have also presented the National Flag to open the first two football games of the season.
Cadets will be doing a number of projects in support of the MCAS and the community in September. Among these events are:
Sept 4: MCHS Open House
Sept 14: Salvation Army Food Distribution
Sept 15: Polish Festival, International Friendship Gardens, Michigan City
Sept 21: Marquette Mall Kids Day
Sept 21: Michigan City Beach Clean-Up
The Color Guard will be supporting numerous athletic events this month. The cadets will be competing in their first competition of the school year, a physical fitness competition at Bloom Trail High School in Chicago Heights, on September 28th.