NJROTC ROCKS!!!  What a year!!!  The Unit continues to improve almost daily.  More awards, accolades, and accomplishments have been realized this year than any other in the past. If the year, and more particularly the last quarter are any indication of what’s to come, then come along for the ride or move aside!

 

 Since the last newsletter, the Unit has been recognized by a number of Florida and Pasco County legislators, several newspapers and a number of fraternal and veteran organizations for its many achievements.  Among them are “National Champion” Academic Team, “First Place Overall” at the Annual Brain Bowl State competition, “Third Place Overall” at the Florida Regional Championship in Academics, Athletics and Drill competition at Boca Raton, and “Fifth Place Overall” at the State Championship.

 

The biggest news of the year came in late March when the commander received word via email and phone call that Gulf's #1 academic team scored the highest of any of the 1615 teams that participated, and are the "2010 National Academic Champions" for the second consecutive year.  Teams from the United States, Italy, Japan and Spain competed. Gulf High NJROTC is the only Florida team to have won the title.   (The NJROTC program was approved by Congress in 1964 and its first Unit activation/participation in 1966.)  Winning team members include Aaron Heusted, Matt Harmaz, Brandon Harvey, Cody Boyet, and Wade Scott.  The test included a myriad of questions from material covered in the four-year curriculum of the Naval Science program, and more.  Topics include, but are not limited to Social Studies/History, Science, Economics, Politics, Government, Health and Nutrition, Ceremonies and Drill, Leadership and Current Events.

 

Gulf’s much improved NJROTC competition team qualified for the State Championship in December!  They did so at Boca Raton by defeating fifteen of the eighteen teams vying for the opportunity to head to “States.”  Two of the opponents were ranked among the top five in the state. The cadets brought home trophies - placing in nine of the eleven events!  Of significance is the Academic Team which placed first in each of the state-sanctioned field meets during the school year, also placed first at Regionals!

  

The Buccaneer cadets exceeded expectations on March 6^th (in Orlando) by scoring higher than at any of the three previous showings at the State Championships in school history, 2007, 2008 and 2009. (The Unit has been in existence for 30 years.). They placed 5th of 20 teams. Last year, they placed 6th of 22 teams. Although the team performance in track, push-ups and drill was not at the level displayed at the Regional Championship hosted at Boca Raton, the cadets represented the school and community with amazing results. The Academic Team continued its winning style by placing "1^st Overall" beating Flanagan and Boca Raton High Schools, both of whom placed in the Top Five in the 2009 National Academic, Athletic and Drill Championships. Aaron Heusted and Cody Boyet tied for 2^nd place and were awarded silver medals. The Sit-Up Team placed "2^nd Overall" despite incredible competition from the other schools. Pierce Pondi placed 5^th in the men’s division with 309 and Krystene Wills placed 2^nd in the female division with 251. The "Color Guard" placed a respectable "6^th Overall." The Unit placed "4^th Overall" in Personnel Inspection; another first for the Buccaneers in State competition.

 

Commander Dirk Hebert visited GHS NJROTC in April for its biennial Area Managers Off-Site Inspection.  The commander inspected financial accounts and cadets' knowledge of operations throughout the entire Unit.  The cadet staff provided him with a "State of the Unit" slide show presentation, a snapshot of Unit achievements and progress throughout the year, which left him with a very positive impression of the program and its cadets.  The commander left stating that our Unit was among his “Magnificent SEVEN!” He projected the Unit would be among the three in Florida in very short order. The school, community organizations, and GHS NJROTC alumni also enjoyed a 30-Year Anniversary celebration of the NJROTC Unit with a “Pass-in-Review,” male and female exhibition routines, and a very inspiring presentation by the guest speaker (Commander Hebert).

 

After a wonderful military ball just one year ago, who would have thought it could get even better?  This year, an even large number of cadets, guests, parents and the instructors experienced one of the most dynamic and fun events imaginable!  The event took place at New Port Richey's "Spartan Manor" on Massachusetts Avenue. The food was great, the service exceptional, and the decorations (provided by our booster club) perfect. Everyone and we do mean everyone, danced to the music and participated in games provided by "Downtown DJ's" until 11:00 p.m., when - unfortunately - the event had to come to an end.  The cadets looked so great in their (males) tuxedos, suits or uniforms, and (females) in formal gowns!  We are so proud of these students and wish that all their parents would have had the opportunity to enjoy the event with us.

 

The GHS NJROTC really has made a HUGE difference in the school and community! There are numerous (before and after school) competitive programs, lots of weekend events, an Annual Ball, field trips, and so much more. If a student is enrolled in grades 9 – 12, is a U.S. citizen or national – or alien lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence, is physically qualified to participate in the physical education program, has a 2.0 or higher GPA (exceptions considered), is able to maintain acceptable standards of conduct, and can comply with grooming standards as set forth by the Unit Commander, then consider joining! All students planning to join or return must interview with the Unit Commander.