Press Release

April 7, 1999

For Immediate Release

JROTC HOSTS ANNUAL ALL-CITY COMPETITION

The Denver high schools' Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) will hold its annual all-city competition on Saturday, April 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at North High School.

Students from all DPS high schools, approximately 300 dedicated cadets in all, will participate.

The morning's events will begin with the first of two "drill downs." A "drill down" is the JROTC's version of the "Simon Says" game as cadets follow a series of commands. Those who miss a step are eliminated while those who follow the commands are winners.

The first competition will feature 20 students from each grade level. The top three teams from each grade level will receive awards.

Other events for the day include the only individual competition, the "individual drill," which showcases 40 to 50 cadets eager to show their mastery of the commands. The "exhibition drill" gives schools the opportunity to show their creativity by performing drills they have developed. This event is judged on originality and precision. The "regulation drill" features a "platoon drill" and a "squad drill," where the top four teams in each receive awards. Successful cadets must have rules and regulations memorized.

This event signifies the importance of the JROTC program in Denver Public Schools. "This drill meet is my favorite, because it acknowledges all the DPS high schools, and gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our skills," said Keisha Heidelberg, Montbello Honor Platoon Cadet.

The event will end with a final "drill down," while judges tabulate votes. Individual and team awards will be presented at the conclusion of the "drill meet".

North High School is located at 2960 Speer Boulevard.

For more information, please call 1SG Martin G. Clever at 303-394-4769.