ANDERSON – Pendleton High School and Anderson Lights of Hope will host the second annual Upstate Regional Drill Championships on March 5 at the Anderson Civic Center.
The Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps has units in Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. These branches will be represented by students who have spent hundreds of hours training for this type of event.
The Upstate Regional Drill Competition will feature up to 20 JROTC units, an estimated 600 cadets. The cadets are from high schools in Southeast United States. Drill competition is designed to showcase military drill precision and foster an atmosphere of team and individual competition, while promoting true sportsmanship.
Cadets will compete in inspection, regulation, color guard and exhibition events, both armed and unarmed. Schools can partake in all four events. Some of the best JROTC schools and individuals from around the Southeast have been invited to compete in this event.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the first event begins at 9 a.m. Awards will be given out around 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free, but donations will be accepted.
Trophies, medals and scholarships are presented to the first, second and third place winners in each category. The “Knock Out” event will have one single winner and is an individual competition to see who is best at the event.
All veterans and active military are encouraged to attend. Members of the National Guard Unit in Anderson, area recruiters, Clemson ROTC officers, and other active military soldiers will serve as judges.
In addition to Easley High School, other high schools will include Wren High School, Southside High School, Berea High School, York High School, Clover High School, East Henderson High School, Belton Honea Path High School, Irmo High School, Byrnes High School, R-S Central High School, Dorman High School, Greenwood High School, Boiling Springs High School, Westside High School, Chapman High School and Union County High School.
For questions or more information, contact Jordan LeNeve, event coordinator at Anderson Lights of Hope, at 803-807-3000 or jordan.leneve@gmail.com.