The U.S. Marine Corps has designated Michigan City High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) as a Naval Honor School (NHS) for the 2011-12 school year. Only 20 percent of 238 schools nationally earn this award; it is only the second time Michigan City has received the distinction in school history and the first time since the Marine Corps reorganized the structure of the JROTC in 2006.
Naval Honor Schools are judged in ten areas: Unit Inspection, Enrollment, Public Affairs, Community Service, Drill Team, Marksmanship Team, Operations, Cadet Leadership and Involvement outside the JROTC, and Scholarships. Michigan City improved in almost every category over the 2010-11 school year.
Last year, MCJROTC cadets performed close to 2,200 hours of community service and participated in 45 parades and ceremonies. The Drill Team competed in five drill competitions and hosted a competition, and the Rifle Team took part in five matches, establishing school record high shooting scores. MCHS increased the number of cadets attending Summer Leadership camp, despite having a lower operations budget. All activities were conducted at no cost to the cadets or the school district.
“This was a true team effort,” said Major Tom McGrath, Senior Marine Instructor. “We receive great support from our Administration and the community, particularly our veterans groups – the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 37, VFW Post 2536, The Wall Gang, and the Guardian Riders. Although our parent Booster Club is small, they go above and beyond in supporting our cadets. Most important, we have dedicated cadets who will do anything for our school and program.”
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, was pleased that MCHS had earned the NHS distinction in his first year. “We were really busy with all of our extracurricular activities, but I didn’t know how competitive we would be with other schools. The entire community should be very proud of our cadets.”
Both instructors say they believe Michigan City High School’s program can continue to excel. “Master Sergeant Benak and I know that there is plenty of room for improvement,” noted McGrath. “We are confident that our cadets are capable of earning the Marine Corps Reserve Association as the best school in our region.” Portage High School earned the best school honor this past year.
Michigan City’s cadets will be busy with community service and public affairs events through the rest of the summer and into the school year. Their first competition will be on Saturday, November 17, with a military skills competition at Elston Middle School. Ten schools are expected to compete in military drill, physical fitness, marksmanship, academics, and personnel inspection at the event. The competition starts at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to end at 4:00 pm. Admission is free and is open to the public.
Photos:
- (l-r) Cadets Dustin Tobalt, Chris Hootman, Haley Feidner, Paul Tobalt, Lyeva Henrich, Mike Callahan with Senior Marine Instructor Major McGrath who provided support at the PNC American Veterans Traveling Tribute
- Cadets marching in the LaPorte County Independence Day parade
- Cadets Alex Wyman and Chris Hootman place flags on veterans' graves
- Drill Team competing in a military drill competition