The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) competed in the second round of Cyber Patriot on November 15th. Cyber Patriot is a national competition involving high school students acting as Information Technology Managers of an organization, defending and counterattacking against an attack on their organization’s Information System. This requires the students to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills. The first two rounds of Cyber Patriot are focused on preparing the participants for the state qualifying round on December 6th. Those teams who qualify for the national meet in Washington, DC in March will travel there with all expenses paid by the Marine Corps.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for students to apply STEM skills that are in such high demand in both the private and public sectors of our economy,” said Mr. Ralph Gee, the Engineering and Technology Instructor at MCHS. “This activity lays the groundwork for students to pursue a good-paying career with high job satisfaction.”
Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, complimented the cadets on their ability to multi-task. “All four of our Cyber Patriot warriors are also on our Drill Team. They are here at 5:30 in the morning for Drill Team practice, and are to at least 3:30 in the afternoon for Cyber Patriot practice. In November alone, we have already had a drill competition, our Veterans Day ceremony for school, as well as supporting other ceremonies honoring veterans. They are also conscientious students, doing well in their other courses.”
“These cadets are really great representatives of MCHS and of our program,” said Master Sergeant Jeff Benak. “They are willing to take on multiple missions and accomplish all of them.”
The multi-tasking will continue into December for the cadets. In addition to the next round of Cyber Patriot, the cadets have a Military Drill Competition on December 7th, supporting the community with numerous holiday activities, and assisting with the set-up and clean-up of the district-wide One City One Sound concert on December 12th.