The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) honored the 239th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps by conducting a military ball at the Pine Grove Banquet Hall in LaPorte on November 14th. State Representative Scott Pelath was the guest speaker.
Representative Pelath, a former U.S. Army officer, spoke of the leadership principles he acquired while serving, and how he has applied those principles to be a successful legislator, doing what is best for the residents of Michigan City and LaPorte County, as well as the citizens of Indiana. “By always trying to improve myself, by being mindful that I must always set the example, and by looking out for the welfare of my constituents, I have been able to be get things done for our district and our state. I learned these principles while serving as an Army officer.” Representative Pelath has been elected by the other Democratic representatives as their leader in the state legislature.
The military ball included a ceremony which symbolizes the traditions of the Marine Corps, one of those being the importance of senior Marines teaching junior Marines. This is done with the cutting of the birthday cake, whereby the oldest and youngest cadets are given a piece of cake, representing the passing of knowledge from senior to junior.
This was the fifth ceremony in which cadets had participated during the week. The previous four ceremonies were conducted in conjunction with Veterans Day, to include the first-ever Veterans Day ceremony done before the entire MCHS student body and area veterans groups.
The cadets will display their military skills talents when they host a military skills competition at Elston Middle School on Nov 22nd from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Nine schools from Indiana and Illinois will compete in military drill, physical fitness and academics. Admission is free and is open to the general public.