E. C. Glass High School Air Force JROTC Dominates 6-event Military Drill Competition
E. C. Glass High School’s Air Force JROTC took center stage in state-wide competition on April 26th, becoming the first school in state history to secure first place honors for the fifth year. This victory marks the culmination of a winning season that included a regional first place title last month in Roanoke.
The Air Force Association event hosted at Atlee High School, included teams from 21 Virginia high schools. According to Brig. Gen. Wayne A. Wright, Deputy Adjutant General of the Virginia National Guard, the competition was well prepared. “All of these cadets here today are highly motivated and extremely competitive,” he said. “It’s humbling to see so many purpose-driven young leaders assembled like this.”
At the closing ceremony Wright presented the meet’s overall first-place trophy to Glass Guard Commander and ECG Senior, Cadet Lt Col. Nathanial Howard. The General also presented first place trophies to E. C. Glass for their performances in Exhibition, Armed Regulation Drill (with rifles), and Unarmed Regulation Drill. “I’m very proud of my team for their performance this weekend,” Howard said. “I’m also very grateful for the experience I’ve had for the past four years with this team.”
Team Manager, Cadet 1st Lt John Burford credits teamwork and dedication to this win. “We couldn’t have come this far without the support of a lot of people including our teachers and trip chaperones,” he said. “It took all of us working together all year to make us such a good team.”
Team coach Senior Master Sgt. Donald Dougherty had high marks for his cadets. “It’s great to work with this outstanding group of students,” he said. Dougherty emphasized that teamwork and practice were key to this championship. “Our team members must be entirely dedicated to excellence and dedication. While they clearly stand out in these military competitions, they also shine in their academic pursuits and always represent the Air Force and ECG with pride.”
According to Howard, next year’s team will begin practicing before school even starts next fall. “We have a large group of freshmen this year, and we expect to see many of them step up into leadership positions.” Howard won his fourth championship medal and is narrowing his college options between Hampden-Sydney College and Liberty University.
Next up for the ECG team is summer drill camp according to Dougherty. “Then we’ll face an extremely talented and engaged list of teams from across Virginia and the nation in 2015.”
