Southern NROTC hosts high school drill meet

Midshipmen of the Southern University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and hundreds of high school students from 17 schools filled A.W. Mumford Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2008.
Southern midshipmen were responsible for judging the annual Area 8 Field Meet where the high school students compete in a myriad of events that included drill competition, academic testing and athletic events. The event was hosted by the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Area 8 Manager Commander Merlin Ladner and the Naval Education and Training Command.
“This event gives the opportunity for the kids to see a college campus in addition to what the life of a midshipman is like,” said Ladner.
The main theme for the event was centered on students showcasing team work and dedication. Cadet Whitley Thibeaux, a junior at Northside High School, said, “We work hard all year and come to this meet to showcase our skills and capabilities.”
Other cadets stated that the competition was a positive setting.
“I think Area 8 is a competitive and friendly environment to be in,” said Cadet Alex Caro, a senior at Dutchtown High School.
Members of the Southern NROTC staff expressed the same sentiment to the midshipmen of the Southern battalion prior to the commencement of the competition.
“This is like the Olympics to these kids, and they work hard to get prepared for this, so keep that in mind,” said Marine Officer Instructor Captain Roger Mahar.
The commanding officer of the Southern NROTC program spoke on the pride he had in those cadets involved.
“It provides high school students the ability to set higher goals and challenge themselves to achieve,” said Captain Kent Flowers, commanding officer of Southern NROTC.
It astonished some members of the Southern battalion that high school students could work so hard.
“It really amazes me how motivated and dedicated students of their age are, and their performance made me realize that today,” said Battalion Commanding Officer Midshipman Rene Barber.
Competitions began at 7 a.m. and schools stayed present until the awards ceremony at around 5 p.m. that afternoon. The outcome of these cadets’ hard work was the presentation of first, second and third place overall trophies to Escambia, St. Amant and Pearl River Central respectively.