The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Wolves Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) earned awards at the Concordia High School Military Drill Meet held at Indiana University/Purdue University at Fort Wayne. The competition involved 15 teams. MCHS finished second in Color Guard, third in Unarmed Platoon and fifth in both unarmed exhibition platoon and squad. All but the Unarmed Platoon were commanded by Cadet First Lieutenant Ana Nowatzke. The Unarmed Platoon was commanded by Cadet Second Lieutenant James Steinhagen.
The Wolves competed in nine events, fielding two teams in three of those events. “Our cadets really put in a full day’s work today,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “All of the cadets on the team drilled in at least two events, and most did three or more. Additionally, because our primary commanders were focusing on the drill cards for the MCJROTC National Drill Comp (for which MCHS was not selected) we had younger cadets command some of the units. I think what those cadets showed today in such a competitive meet gives us great optimism for next year.”
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, paid tribute to the drill team seniors. “Our seniors really showed some great leadership on this team. This was probably the most successful drill team in school history.”
This was the last drill meet of the year. The cadets will be very busy in supporting school and community functions for the remainder of the school year. The school functions include track meets and graduation. Some of the community events are the Comcast Cares Day on April 22nd, the Ivy Tech Graduation at MCHS on May 13, and the Michigan City Memorial Day Parade and Greenwood Cemetery Ceremony on May 29th.