MCHS Honors MCJROTC Cadets at 2026 Awards Ceremony

Michigan City High School’s (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Corps (MCJROTC) conducted an Awards Ceremony on May 13 in the MCHS cafeteria. Numerous civic organizations presented awards to cadets who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the school year. Cadets were honored for their participation in patriotic events, community service, MCJROTC extracurriculars (Drill, Shooting, Raider, and CyberPatriot teams), as well as participation in MCHS athletics, band, and choir. Exceptional academic performance was a common theme amongst recipients.

“With us doing 54 different community service activities, and 42 patriotic ceremonies, our cadets have demonstrated exceptional devotion to our school and community,” said Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak.

Ten seniors were also recognized. Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, commented on each senior. For Cadet 1st Lieutenant Payton Downs, McGrath compared her to Archie Griffin, the only two-time recipient of the Heisman Trophy as college football’s best player, for her extraordinary commitment to amassing hundreds of hours of community service and participating in just about every patriotic event done by the MCJROTC. 

“I would put Payton Downs up against a cadet from any school in the country.  She is emblematic of the kind of student we seek to develop at MCHS,” said McGrath.

The cadets have no time to rest on their laurels. They will be placing flags on veterans’ graves at Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, May 16, supporting the Pets and Pours event at Friendship Gardens on Sunday, May 17, participating in the memorial service for veteran motorcycle groups on the evening of May 19, marching in the Michigan City Memorial Day parade, and providing the Color Guard for the Memorial Day ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery. They will also provide parking support for the MCHS graduation on Sunday, June 7.

The MCJROTC Raider and Drill teams will begin their summer practices on June 2. MCHS’ goal is to qualify for the national championships in each competition. This past year, the National Raider Championship was held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and the National Drill Championship was held at Normal Park, Georgia.