Cadets excel in competitions and awards at military ball and national events

The Chambersburg Area School District's recent School Board Meeting highlighted a series of impressive achievements by its cadet program, showcasing the dedication and success of its students. Cadet Jacka reported a record turnout at the annual Academic Military Inspection (AMI) in March, with 130 cadets and 300 attendees, marking the largest audience to date. The academic team, competing in the Brainball event, triumphed against six other schools and earned a spot at the national championship at the Naval Academy on April 26.

In addition to academic accolades, the cadets participated in the inaugural Cassius Drone competition, where they placed fourth among competitors. The program is seeing growth, with over 200 cadets currently enrolled, prompting discussions about potentially hiring a third instructor to accommodate the increasing numbers.

The orienteering team also made significant strides, qualifying for nationals in Alabama after a strong performance at the area championships. Cadet Jacka noted that the junior varsity team placed 17th out of 42 teams, while the varsity team secured 21st out of 44.

The cadets excelled at the Seaford drill meet, winning first place in the area championships despite last-minute changes to the competition format. They also participated in a virtual national drill meet, achieving a commendable 15th overall and earning a fifth-place trophy in armed regulation drill, marking a historic first for the unit.

The meeting also celebrated the annual military ball, which saw a record number of attendees and the distribution of numerous awards, including civic awards and scholarships totaling nearly half a million dollars. Notably, two cadets received Navy ROTC scholarships, further emphasizing the program's commitment to recognizing and supporting student achievements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the cadet program's growth, resilience, and dedication to excellence, setting a positive tone for future endeavors and continued success.