by: MSG Hannah Sullo, Battalion S7 NCOIC

The Newsome Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Wolfpack Battalion comes out running in 2017. The Cadets are taking part in numerous team competitions, company led Service Learning Projects, and are currently preparing for their upcoming Military Ball.

The Battalion’s six special teams continue to practice, compete, and bring home trophies. The back to back District Champion Mixed Raider Team competed at “States” on 21 January 2017 placing 5 th Overall out of 29 of the best Raider teams in Florida. Select members of the Raiders are preparing for the 18 February 2017 “Best Raider” Competition. The newly established Cyber Patriot Teams competed at “States” on 14 January 2017 placing 2nd and 7th place overall out of 60 teams, qualifying them for the “Regional” competition on 04 February 2017.

The JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) Teams continue to practice in preparation for Phase 2 competition on 08 February 2017. The Drill and Color Guard Team competed at the season opening competition at Brandon High School on 28 January 2017 and are preparing for the University of Tampa completion on 04 February 2017. The Rifle Team competed at the Bass Pro Shop Competition on 06 January 2017 placing 2nd overall and remain undefeated at the County level. The Rifle Team heads to Anniston, Alabama 08 – 12 February 2017 to compete in the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Championship.

The five Wolfpack Companies are bringing in the New Year by serving others. The Battalion’s Continuous Improvement Plan this year was for each company to conduct their own Service Learning Project. The service projects range from making care packages for the local Police Department to helping out at the Hope Café. These projects teach Cadets how to coordinate, plan, prepare and execute a major activity that gives back to the community.

The Battalion Staff is working hard on planning and preparing our Annual Military Ball on 10 February 2017. Over 100 cadets, and their guests, anxiously await the

fun night of military tradition, laughter, honoring our seniors, and dancing. For more information on upcoming and/or current events within the Wolfpack Battalion go to http://www.newsomejrotc.com/ or click on the JROTC link under the Programs tab on the Newsome High School homepage.