The Russell County High School NJROTC Drill Team departed Nov. 14 to participate in the Navy Area Nine Regional Qualifier Academic, Physical Fitness and Drill Competition at Wilson Central High School in Lebanon, Tenn.

They competed against other high schools from Tennessee and Kentucky. The competition tested the cadets in academics, physical fitness and military drill, including a unit personnel inspection.

The Mighty Laker Drill team took second place overall. This qualifies Russell County to compete at the Navy Area 9 Championship held at the Shawnee Mission North High School in Kansas City, Kansas.

The academic team, led by C/LT Amy Passmore placed second in the academic portion of the competition.

The 15-person academic team was administered a test covering all aspects of the Naval Science Curriculum. The Color Guard Team, commanded by C/CPO Luis Ortiz placed first.

The Unarmed Basic Drill Team, commanded by C/LT Philip Anderson placed second.

The Armed Exhibition Teamcommanded by C/LT Joseph Anderson, placed second. The Unarmed Exhibition Team, commanded C/LT Amy Passmore, placed first.

The Armed Basic Drill Team, commanded by C/LT Philip Anderson, placed second.

Along with these trophies, the Laker team also received individual awards.

These awards went to Philip Anderson, highest academic score, Amy Passmore received second highest score on the academic test.

In the physical fitness portion, Emily Davis placed second for female sit-ups.

Tequila Antle placed third in push-ups. The unit’s athletic team finished second overall in the team competition.

At the Area 9 Championship in Kansas City, Kansas, the Mighty Laker Drill Teams will be competing against 15 other NJROTC Drill Teams from Missouri, Tennessee, Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Russell County will be the only Kentucky NJROTC Booster Club will be conducting various fundraising events the next few months to help pay for the cadets to travel to Kansas City.

If you would like to contribute and help the cadets get to Kansas City for this prestigious competition, please contact Captain Bob King or Phil Anderson, president of the NJROTC Booster Club.

“The Laker Drill Team performed exceptionally well last weekend. The entire drill team: academics, physical fitness and drill, has worked very hard this fall, including practicing every day during fall break, and their stellar performance at Wilson Central attested to their dedication and hard work.

All the cadets are very excited about being selected to go to the Area Nine Academic, Physical Fitness and Drill Championship in Kansas City,” said Captain King.