Story and Photos by: LTC (R) Leonard Cianciotto
June 12-16, 2023, Cadets from McAllen High School’s Army Junior ROTC attended the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) Camp at John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. JCLC is an annual camp designed to develop Cadets’ leadership and team building skills. It is physically and mentally challenging and helps prepare each school’s upcoming Cadet leaders for their roles in the battalion.
There were 208 Cadets from 22 schools from the San Antonio and RGV area that attended. Activities included water safety, marching skills, leadership reaction courses, high ropes, low ropes, orienteering, and various fitness challenges. Additionally, recreational activities were available, such as hiking up Enchanted Rock and a float trip down the Comal river. Jesus Lopez won the best Platoon Leader Award, Ryan Knecht won the best Platoon Sergeant Award, and Ryan and Enriquecarlos Schwindt were members of the platoon that won the drill competition. McAllen High School also won the fitness competition with Elizabeht Puente, Ansony Puente and Jesus Lopez leading the way.
