In a recent meeting of the Pasco County Board of Commissioners, members celebrated the achievements of the Hudson High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Leadership and Academic Bowl team. The team distinguished itself by securing second place at the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) nationals, competing against 1,600 schools and 314,000 cadets nationwide.

The JROTC program is recognized as one of the largest character development and citizenship initiatives for youth globally. It emphasizes values such as citizenship, leadership, and academic excellence, providing students with challenging academic content and real-life experiences that foster personal responsibility.

The Hudson High School JROTC team, consisting of cadets Eliza Jones, Gabriel Carpio, Victor Papadopoulos, and Navia Nardone, was one of only two teams from Florida to qualify for the national competition in 2024. The JLAB features hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, culminating in a high-stakes trivia event.

During the meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution congratulating the team for their remarkable achievement, highlighting the significance of their success in a competitive field. The resolution was approved with a motion and a second, reflecting the board's support for the students' hard work and dedication.