Writer: Cadet CPT Avah Wetherwax
Photographer: C/CPT Avah Wetherwax
The large group with family photo:
On Apr 6th, 2024, MacArthur HS JROTC Highlander Battalion became the 2024, 3-time, Army JROTC Drill and Color Guard Teams, State Champions. They traveled to Oklahoma Drill and Color Guard Teams, and State Champions. They traveled to Oklahoma City to compete in the Oklahoma Drill and Color Guard Teams State Championships against teams from the Army, Navy, and the Air Force from all across the state of Oklahoma. In the Unarmed Division, the Unarmed Drill Team, commanded by Cadet Captain Abigail Benoit, placed 1st in both inspection and exhibition phases, and 3rd place during the regulation phase. In the UnArmed dual exhibition phase, Cadets Abigail Benoit and Destiny Threat won 2nd place.
Against over 150 other Armed Forces Cadets, Cadet Destiny Threat also won 1st place in the individual Knock-Out Drill. Selected over all Armed Forces UnArmed Team Commanders, Cadet Abigail Benoit additionally received the Best Commander of Excellence Award. In the Armed Regulation and Inspection phases, the Armed Drill Team, commanded by Cadet Command 1st Sergeant Scott Mahrer, won 2nd place.
In the Armed Exhibition Phase, the Armed Team commanded by 1st Lieutenant Nicholas Godfrey also won 2nd place. In the Armed Dual Exhibition Phase, Cadets Nicholas Godfrey and Ian Barrois also won 2nd place. Additionally, the Armed Color Guard Team commanded by Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kai Aguilar, won 3rd place overall. Once again, your JROTC Highlander Battalion are the 2024, 3-time Oklahoma, Army JROTC Color Guard and Drill Teams State Champions.
State Capitol Photos:
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, MacArthur HS JROTC Drill and Color Guard Team members traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol and were recognized on the Oklahoma State House Floor, in the presence of OK Governor Kevin Stitt, for their 3rd consecutive Army Drill and Color Guard Teams State Championship. Prior to the House Floor Recognition by Lawton Districts House Representatives Randy Worthen, Daniel Pae, Trey Caldwell and the House Minority Leader Ms. Cyndi Munson, the Cadets had the privilege to receive a Capitol Tour by OU Professor and State Capitol Tour Guide Mr. Coleman Patterson.
Small Group photo:
On August 1, 2024, MacArthur High School (MHS) JROTC was recognized at the City’s 123rd Birthday Celebration by Lawton City Mayor Stan Booker as the city of Lawton’s Outstanding Youth Organization 2024. The MHS JROTC Cadets also provided the Color Guard for the ceremony as well as drill demonstrations by members of the Armed and UnArmed Drill Teams.”