The hard work and long hours put in by the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) have paid off with their recent first place win in the county raider meet, where 10 JROTC raider teams from around the county compete against each other.

The team achieved first place in two events, second place in two events and first place overall.

“With some hard work we managed to cut down our team 5K time by around two minutes, as well as win first in a brand new event and adjust to major rule changes for the rope bridge. It was the first time West has won these events in quite a while,” junior Battalion Commander Hannah Ball said.

Competing in events like this is just one way that members use the skills they learn in the program. JROTC instills in its members the discipline and leadership skills that easily transfer into the real world.

“JROTC taught me how to be a leader; the program taught me how to improve myself every single day and to always be there for friends and family no matter what” junior Bn Public Affairs officer Sarah Lancaster said.

But for its members, JROTC has done more than just prepare them.

“It’s changed me in that I didn’t really think I was going to make friends in high school but now it feels like I have a second family,” Ball said.

The constant strength and work ethic shown by JROTC members puts them on top in competitions and will continue to do so as they continue through life.