Cadets from McAllen High School's Army Junior ROTC earned multiple awards at the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) Camp at John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, June 12-16.
Jesus Lopez won the best Platoon Leader Award and Ryan Knecht won the best Platoon Sergeant Award. In addition, Knecht and Enriquecarlos Schwindt were members of the platoon that won the drill competition. McAllen High won the fitness competition with Elizabeth Puente, Ansony Puente and Jesus Lopez leading the way.
This is an annual camp designed to develop Cadets' leadership and team building skills. It is physically and mentally challenging and helps prepare each school's upcoming cadet leaders for their roles in the battalion.
More than 200 Cadets from 22 schools from the San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley areas attended. Activities included water safety, marching skills, leadership reaction courses, high ropes, low ropes, orienteering, and various fitness challenges. Additionally, recreational activities were available, such as hiking up Enchanted Rock and a float trip down the Comal River. Of note,
JROTC is a congressionally mandated program whose mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens. There is no military obligation, and it is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. High school students interested in JROTC should contact their counselor or the McAllen High JROTC Department directly at 956-657-3158. McAllen High's JROTC Instructors are Lieutenant Colonel, retired, Leonard Cianciotto and Sergeant First Class, retired, Benito Contreras.
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Students pictured include Dylan Garza, Enriquecarlos Schwindt, Ryan Knecht, Itzel Ramos, Ivana Mota, Antawn Namuag, Derek Toscano, Jesus Lopez, Ansony Puente and Elizabeth Puente.