Cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) participated in the third round of Cyber Patriot, the nation's cybersecurity competition for high school students. Students act as Information Technology Managers of an organization who have to defend against and counterattack a cyber attack. This was the state qualifying round to determine who would be eligible to compete for the final tournament which is held in Baltimore, Maryland. For MCJROTC schools who qualify, the Marine Corps will fund the entire cost of that trip. MCHS’s preliminary score was the highest they have earned in the 10 years in which they have competed. All scores will be confirmed by the competition’s sponsor, the Air Force Association, in a week.
“In a world where everyone’s competitiveness is dependent on technological knowledge, this is an exceptionally beneficial extra-curricular activity for students,” said Mr.Ralph Gee, the Technology and Engineering instructor at MCHS who is the faculty advisor for the competition.
Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, commented on the cadets ability to multitask. “The cadets participating in this highly technological activity are the same cadets who competed in our military drill meet last week. They are very adaptable, being able to transition from the instantaneous obedience to orders of military drill to the numerous variables of a cyber attack.”
“After doing this mentally draining activity on Friday, these cadets will arise early the next day to work the Salvation Army food drive. These are truly individuals who go above and beyond for our school and community,” said Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak.
The cadets will be practicing over the holiday break to prepare for their next drill competition and for their presentation to the 8th graders of Barker and Kreuger Middle Schools prior to those students scheduling for their freshmen courses at the high school. The Marine Corps requires that schools have an enrollment of at least 100 cadets in order to maintain the program.