The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) participated in numerous activities as Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) kicked off the 2021-2022 School Year. The cadets provided Color Guards for the Superintendent’s opening speech to all MCAS staff members and the first two home football games. Cadets also worked the two Orientation Days at MCHS for all students as well as the Back To School Rally at Elston Field. The rally provided free school supplies to all MCAS students along with many activities to motivate the students in anticipation of the school year.
The Covid pandemic has had an adverse effect on MCJROTC enrollment. Many of the events in which cadets normally participate, particularly presentations to the middle schools, were not allowed due to Covid precautions. Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, is hopeful that the return to a more normal routine will result in enrollment exceeding 100 cadets, which is the Marine Corps requirement. “Our cadets are enthusiastic about competing in Military Drill Meets and CyberPatriot (the national cyber security game), as well as doing more community service and supporting patriotic events. As other students see all that our program has to offer, I am confident our enrollment will increase.”
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, echoed McGrath’s belief that more students will take MCJROTC as an elective. “We have a really great group of cadets this year. They will show MCHS students what it means to be ‘The Few and the Proud.’”
One of the highlights planned this year is the Midwest Military Drill Championship to be held at MCHS on March 19, 2022. 19 schools from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana will compete for a chance to go to Daytona Beach, Florida for the National Drill Championship in April. If Michigan City earns that spot, the trip, like all MCJROTC activities, are done at no cost to the cadet or MCHS. It is primarily funded by the Marine Corps, and augmented by the MCJROTC Booster Club.