JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Countless hours of practice paid off for the John Jay High School Silver Eagles Armed Drill Team by winning the U.S. Nationals High School Armed Drill Team competition recently in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The Silver Eagles drill team won the title after competing against more than 20 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps drill teams from all service branches in one of the nation's largest collections of drill and ceremony talent.
"A lot of really great competition was at the meet," said Master Sgt. Ralph Perez, senior aerospace science instructor and drill team monitor for the Silver Eagles.
"In the past, Army JROTC drill teams have dominated this event, but I think now the Air Force teams have gotten their foot in the door," said Perez.
"This win was the culmination of hard work, long hours, dedication and the determination to win," he said. "It's a great win not only for John Jay High School but for the Air Force teams as well."
The Silver Eagles competed in five categories: regulation, inspection, platoon drill, squad drill, and color guard. The Silver Eagles combined scores earned them the national title, an honor they hadn't achieved in 10 years.
"I am so proud of my son and the entire team," said Melissa Stewart, a field studies program specialist at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and the mother of Silver Eagles team member Miles Stewart. "They practiced every day after school, and countless hours over their weekend and summer breaks. I'm thrilled they were able to see their hard work pay off and become national champions."
Five members of the Silver Eagles graduated after the May competition, and after seeing what JROTC had to offer, several members are eager to put their training to use in the military.
"Winning this title is a dream come true," said Miles Stewart. "Seeing what hard work can accomplish, and my JROTC experience, have assured me that my decision to join the military will be the right career path for me. JROTC has instilled pride, commitment, discipline and camaraderie in me and I could not imagine not being a part of the world's
greatest Air Force."
The team will return to Daytona Beach next May to defend their national title.