MCHS MCJROTC Supports the School District and Community

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) has been busy throughout the second semester, supporting Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) and the community. The cadets have provided the Color Guards for all home basketball games, including the MCAS Heritage Night and MCHS Wolfpack Roundup, a night for incoming freshmen and their parents. They provided help in setting up for the MCHS Gymnastics meet, the Coolspring Elementary School Book Fair, and the Michigan City Food Pantry. The Military Drill Team and the Rifle Team have been preparing for their upcoming competition at Fort Wayne Concordia High School on March 7. The Drill Team practices before school, and the Rifle Team practices after. 

“Our program provides a variety of venues for cadets to excel,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “As is the case with our Raider Team, which competes in the Fall, cadets do not have to possess any great athletic skill or be the class valedictorian. All we require is a positive attitude.”

Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, provided an example of McGrath’s comment. “Our Administration Officer, 1st Lieutenant Payton Downs, demonstrates everything we seek to develop in our cadets. She is hard-working, dedicated, and has become a real leader on our Drill Team, despite being vertically challenged.”

The cadets will continue to support MCAS and the community. Key events in March include the Michigan City St. Patrick’s Parade, the Indiana High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Regional Tournament, and the “Inspire Young Minds” College & Career Expo being held at Barker Middle School on March 26.

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