GISD Liberty Battalion Gears up for NJROTC Nationals…for the Second Year in a Row
On February 25, GISD Liberty Battalion took second place overall at the NJROTC Area 10 State Championship Meet, securing a spot at NJROTC Nationals.
“As much as we had hoped to take first place at state again, when the announcers read the following statement: ‘Second Place Overall and headed to Navy Nationals for a second year is East View High School’, I could not have been happier,” Major David Arjona, GISD Senior Naval Science Instructor, said. “I felt proud of the team performances and the support from our staff, the district and the Liberty Battalion Booster Club that helped us get to that point.”
In 2022, GISD Liberty Battalion took first place at State and competed at Nationals for the first time in history.
“We went into the state competition this year powerful and motivated, knowing that we are strong competitors,” Community Service Officer (CSO) and East View High School (EVHS) senior, Cadet Adonous Sanchez said.
Preparation for competitive NJROTC meets goes beyond perfecting drills and routines. There are academic exams, high-intensity fitness tests, and even the uniforms have to meet a high standard.
“There are over 100 questions on the academic exam, and we go into it not knowing what information we will be tested on,” Academics Commander and Georgetown High School (GHS) junior Cadet Lydia Steinly said. “There is an enormous amount of information we are expected to absorb.”
“As for uniforms, cadets have to make sure that everything fits correctly and the uniforms are pinned before competing,” Commanding Officer and EVHS senior Cadet April Ipiña said. “Nothing can be out of place — not even a little string — because inspectors will notice it, and our grade will be affected.”
The cadets credit teamwork as the main driver behind their success.
“At the state relay run — which is already a lot of pressure while everyone’s eyes are on us — one of our cadets fell,” Supply Officer and Georgetown High School senior Cadet Avery Zenisek said. “Instead of feeling defeat, our whole team started cheering and yelling for each other as she got back up and passed the baton.”
“Those moments are what make us push harder and grow as a family.”
“The teams we go up against at drill meets put in an incredible amount of work like we do,” Cadet Sanchez said. “It’s an honor to know that we deserve to be here, competing right alongside them.”
We will continue to cheer Liberty Battalion on as they head to Pensacola, Florida on March 31st for nationals. Stay tuned for the results!
You can find more news about Liberty Battalion on our website:
GISD Liberty Battalion Takes First Place at State Field Meet
2023 NJROTC Annual Military Inspection - in Pictures
