BRENHAM MCJROTC DELIVERS HISTORIC SHOWING AT NATIONAL DRILL CHAMPIONSHIPS

  

The Brenham High School MCJROTC capped off a historic season with an outstanding performance at the National High School Drill Team Championships held this past weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Brenham “Reapers” rose to the challenge against top programs from across the nation, from Marine Corps to Navy to Air Force, and regardless of school size or location.  The championships bring together elite JROTC units from across the country, providing an opportunity for state champion teams to compete head-to-head at the highest level.

The unarmed drill team competed in the highest level of high school drill competition, the Division I / Masters Division, and earned a national runner-up finish among all teams nationwide.  Brenham becomes the first Marine Corps JROTC unit in the event’s 41-year history to earn a runner-up finish in unarmed drill.

The unarmed team was named champion in inspection, runner-up for regulation and fourth place in exhibition.  Valeria Alfaro was third place commander and was named champion in dual exhibition along with Yozelynn Lopez.  Naomi Turrubiartes and Karyme Bernal finished as runner-up in dual exhibition.

Meanwhile, the armed drill team captured first place in the Division II / Advanced Division and earned the title of division champions.

The armed team earned champion in regulation, runner-up for inspection and color guard, and fifth place in exhibition.  Allison Mendoza was named champion commander.

Senior Marine Instructor Captain Jeffrey Bayse said he “could not be more proud of our cadets and what they accomplished this weekend,” adding that competing in the Masters Division and earning a national runner-up finish against the best teams in the country is “truly remarkable.”  He said, “These cadets have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft, and their discipline, teamwork, and commitment to excellence were on full display.  They represented Brenham with pride, and this is a moment our entire community can celebrate.”

Superintendent Clay Gillentine called the team’s finish “a tremendous accomplishment for our students, our instructors, and our entire Brenham ISD community.”  He said, “To compete at the highest level in the nation and achieve historic results speaks to the dedication, leadership, and character of these cadets.  They have set a new standard of excellence, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented Brenham on the national stage.”