WASHINGTON — Despite challenges from a late start because of winter weather and the reality of difficult questions about literature, science, history and mathematics, a small team of cadets from the Paul G. Blazer High School claimed third place in the College Options Foundation’s 2009 JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl last weekend in Washington, D.C.
“The team did absolutely super,” said Chief Warrant Officer and Sr. Army Instructor Gary Payton.
“Out of 300,000 kids only 300 got to go. One percent of all ROTC programs got to go,” Payton said, emphasizing the testing was mandatory for every ROTC unit in the United States and its territories.
The international competition at George Mason University began with online preliminary rounds, reducing the number of participants to teams from 24 schools from the around the world.
“The literature questions were really difficult,” said Cadet Maj. Patrick Stump. “Those were probably the hardest, and some of the math.”
Road weary upon their return Tuesday afternoon, team members agreed it was easy “to get up there and blank out.”
Cadet Staff Sgt. Daniel Lyons agreed the literature questions were especially tough, although he was surprised to find “the grammar was easier than I expected.”
In addition to the competition, the local cadets had a chance to visit places, including the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
“The war memorials, no matter if you are military or not, could probably touch you,” Cadet Cpl. C.J. Epperson said.
Cadet Cpl. Connie Bailey said she was frightened by a walking tour through the Holocaust museum.
“It just made me feel it was back ... it was happening again, and it scared me,” she said.
Bailey also advises visitors to the World War II Memorial to read the inscriptions to get a better perspective of this nation’s sacrifices during that conflict.
“You’ll get a whole lot more out of it,” she said.
The local cadets laugh as they talk about their secret weapon during the competition, although they are certain it worked in their favor.
“We drank Monster energy drinks,” Stump said with a grin, noting they lost two rounds without the sugary liquid.
Despite the level of competition, all of the Blazer students said they were surprised to find other cadets were essentially the same as themselves. The local team spent much of its spare time with cadets from Fort Worth, Texas, and each collected contact information for new friends to stay in touch with.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
Local News
Blazer JROTC shines in competition
Takes 3rd place
- Local News
-
-
Business touts better living
Yvette Pennington is a true believer in the power of living better as we live longer.
-
Police beat: 2/9/12
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Safe Harbor benefits from Shop and Share Day
Shop and Share Day brought a record number of donations to Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky.
-
Local briefs: 2/9/12
For the fifth year in a row, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has given the Southern Ohio Medical Center Cancer Center funding to support the Hands of Hope grant program.
-
Judge's ruling paralyzes General Assembly
Confusion reigns in the wake a judge’s ruling that state redistricting maps passed by the General Assembly are unconstitutional. That ruling says until the legislature offers a plan which meets constitutional muster, 2012 candidates for the legislature must run in the districts drawn 10 years ago.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Business touts better living
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
