The Michigan City High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) conducted numerous community service events during September. The Color Guard presented the National and Marine flags at the September 11th Memorial Ceremony at Ivy Tech Community College in Michigan City. The guest speaker was the Michigan City Chief of Police, as first responders were honored for their work during times of crisis. Cadets were active in supporting the high school’s homecoming festivities, providing the Color Guard for the Pep Rally, the Color Guard and two marching platoons for the parade, presenting the Colors for the playing of the National Anthem at the football game, and providing security at Ames Field. On Saturday, September 21st, cadets assisted in the clean-up of the Washington Park Beach and provided an exhibition routine for the Kid’s Day at the Marquette Mall.
Cadet Captain Paul Tobalt, the program’s Cadet Commanding Officer and a senior, stated how important it is for cadets to be involved with events in the community. “We try to encourage all of our cadets to get involved and participate in all of the things we do in Michigan City and beyond. It’s a way to show our community the many ways we can support our school and agencies outside of the school.” Captain Tobalt will be using the many community service hours he has accumulated in applying for the Navy/Marine ROTC scholarship. He hopes to attend Purdue University and serve as a Marine officer upon graduation. The last JROTC cadet to earn an ROTC scholarship was in 2005.
Cadet Second Lieutenant Alex Wyman, who was the senior cadet at the beach clean-up, said that the JROTC really emphasizes the leadership trait of unselfishness. “Besides just talking about leading by example in class, we actually go out and do it. Whether it is helping out for homecoming or beautifying our beach, we really want to make our school and community better.” Lieutenant Wyman is also the captain of the MCHS JROTC’s Cyber Patriot team, a national computer defense game. Additionally, he is a commander on the drill team and one of the high shooters on the rifle team.
The cadets will be competing in a physical fitness competition at Bloom Trail High School in Chicago Heights on Saturday, September 28th. They have another physical fitness competition on Saturday, October 26th, at Hobart High School. MCHS MCJROTC will host a military skills competition on November 23rd at Elston Middle School from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. 10 schools are expected to compete in military drill, marksmanship, academics, physical fitness, and personnel inspection. This competition is sponsored by the Michigan City chapter of the Marine Corps League and is open to the public. Admission is free.