The Michigan City High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) recently conducted two community service activities in support of Michigan City area agencies. The cadets performed an exhibition military drill routine at the Marquette Mall’s “Kids Day” on Saturday, September 16th. The following day, Sunday, September 17th, the cadets provided manpower to work the Polish Heritage Festival at the International Friendship Gardens.
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor at MCHS, was proud of the way the cadets conducted themselves in the community. “The cadets realize how important it is that they represent our school and the Marine Corps well. It is also a credit to our drill team to have been able to perform an exhibition routine with such proficiency this early in the school year.” Exhibition drill is where cadets, using their creativity, enhance basic drill by performing movements with the rifle, such as spinning, throwing, and catching to bring more excitement to the routine.
The cadets also drew high praise from the Polish Heritage Festival. Their hard work and initiative in helping the festival run smoothly impressed the event’s organizers.
In addition to community service activities, the cadets perform in many patriotic ceremonies and have a drill team, a shooting team, and a physical fitness team. The drill team practices every morning before school and the shooting team practices marksmanship after school. MCHS MCJROTC will be hosting a military skills competition on November 17th at Elston Middle School from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Military drill, marksmanship and physical fitness are among the events. Admission to the competition is free and is open to the public.
