Observer Online | NJROTC Advances to Nationals

Edition of March 21, 2008

NJROTC Advances to Nationals

The Herndon High School Navy Junior ROTC unit qualified to advance to the Navy National competition in Pensacola, Fla., after finishing second overall at the All-Area 5 combined drill, physical training and academic meet at Patuxent Naval Air Station last weekend. Both the first and second place finishers advance to the national competition.

According to CDR Rick Cassara, Herndon's senior naval science instructor, the Herndon unit "performed at a level unsurpassed by any other Herndon team in the 25-year history of our unit." First Colonial High School of Virginia Beach was first overall by a narrow margin.

Eleven teams from Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington, D.C., qualified to compete in the All-Area 5 competition based upon their competitive performance throughout the school year. Herndon's academic team, commanded by Cadet Roger Bailey, finished first. The athletic team, commanded by Cadet Chris Warnock, finished second with a second-place trophy for team curl-ups and a first-place trophy for team push-ups. The drill team, commanded by Cadet Fabio Garcia, finished first with a first-place trophy for their almost perfect unarmed standard drill routine.

The overall scores are based upon the combination of the academic, athletic, drill and uniform personnel inspection scores. Two Herndon cadets also received individual medals for curl-ups: Cadet Garcia earned second place and Cadet Warnock placed third.

The NJROTC is currently seeking donations to help defray the expense of their trip to the national competition. Checks (made out to Herndon High School) may be sent to NJROTC, Herndon High School, 700 Bennett St., Herndon, VA, 20170.