JROTC wins two events in first competition

Participants in the JROTC drill team are, above, left, from left: Paul Salter, Courtney Johnson, Andres Jeronimo, Ra'shon Brady, Marquis Moody, Brianna Joiner and Kori Hering; and above right, from left: Fernando Gomez, Keith Kelly, Steven Barber, Demetrius Cutter, Louis Williams (in front), Carneishia Bell and La'Tranese Sapp. Left, Andres Jeronimo, a JROTC participant, is shown during Saturday's competition. (Photos contributed)

The Jenkins County Army JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard made history this past Saturday at the Jenkins County High School (JCHS) football complex.

First the War Eagle's fielded their first JROTC Drill Team; second, they hosted their first ever Precision and Exhibition Drill Meet for a brand new Georgia Drill Region, Region 9; and third and most important, they won two events.

Eight teams from the surrounding area and Augusta participated in this historic event. Powerhouses Statesboro, Metter, South East Bulloch and the Academy of Richmond County along with perennial competitive teams from Emanuel County Institute, Swainsboro, and upstart Bryan County participated. JCHS surprised all of them by winning first place in the Squad Regulation Unarmed Drill commanded by Ra'shon Brady; first place in Squad Regulation Armed Drill commanded by Louis Williams; second in the Female Color Guard commanded by Kori Hering; Andres Jeronimo finished third in Armed Knockout and the Male Color Guard finished fourth commanded by Andres Jeronimo.

Team members are: Ra'shon Brady, Carneisha Bell, Steven Barber, Demetrius Cutter, Kori Hering, Courtney Johnson, Brianna Joiner, Andres Jeronimo, Fernando Gomez, Keith Kelly, Marquis Moody, La'Tranese Sapp, Paul Salter and Louis Williams.

This Saturday the JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard travels to Swainsboro for their second drill meet of the season. Competition starts at 10 a.m., and there is no charge for admission.