Walker High MCJROTC honored as 2025 all‑service Raider national champions

The Livingston Parish School Board recognized Walker High School’s Marine Corps JROTC Raider team for winning the 2025 all‑service Raider national championship.

Lt. Col. Tubbs, who presented the recognition, said Walker competed against programs from all branches — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force — and noted there are more than 3,000 JROTC units nationwide and roughly 1,500 Raider programs. "We’re the first Marine Corps JROTC team to ever win this," Tubbs told the board, underlining the rarity of the team’s success.

Tubbs described the competition’s six events, including multi‑mile obstacle courses, a physical team test, a cross‑country rescue event and the individual "ultimate Raider." He named the squad’s individual honorees, saying Braden Manuel finished third in the ultimate Raider and Sarah Duncan improved from sixth to fourth this year. Tubbs said the team won multiple event placings and brought home the top trophy.

Board member Caitlin Cochran introduced the recognition and presented certificates; Tubbs thanked parents, school leadership and the athletic staff for allowing cadet travel and supporting training. He explained the team’s identity — the "Devil Cats" — and that earning the red jersey distinguishes A‑team competitors.

The board and attendees applauded the cadets’ achievements and took photos. Tubbs said he planned a celebratory meal for the cadets following the win and that the school’s program fields A, B and C teams, each with about a dozen cadets.