The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) conducted presentations for 8th graders at Barker and Krueger Middle Schools to familiarize the students with the MCJROTC. The presentation consisted of drill, both basic and exhibition, and physical training. Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, introduced the program. Cadet Captain Jalen Stockley, the cadet commanding officer, and Cadet Second Lieutenant Alexis Nowatzke, the cadet executive officer, provided their impressions to the students. The program concluded after a question and answer session.
The MCJROTC is required to have at least 100 cadets in order to maintain the program. “We have a vigorous recruiting program,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “In addition to our middle school presentations, we actively seek out qualified students from our school, and encourage our students to talk to 8th graders and high school students not currently enrolled in MCAS schools. We participate in every community service project and patriotic ceremony that we know are occurring.”
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, is optimistic that enrollment will increase. “The presentations went very well. Our cadets really gave the 8th graders a good show, and that was reflected in the number of good questions that were asked during the question and answer segment.” The presentations were part of a busy week for the cadets. They also had their Command Inspection from the Marine Corps and competing in a military drill meet at Pike High School in Indianapolis. Cadets will also continue to support school and community activities.
The next major event at MCHS will be the Indiana High School Athletic Association Regional Boys Basketball Tournament on March 12th. At least 14,000 fans are expected to visit the Wolves Den to determine who will advance to the Indiana Final Four. The cadets will be assisting in traffic control and security at the games, as well as providing the Color Guards for the semi-final and championship games. Cadets will also be marching in the Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day parade, being held on the same day.