THE first batch of cadets from Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion Unarmed and Armed Drill teams left the island on Tuesday to travel to Torrance, California where they will compete in the annual Golden Bear West Coast National Drill Meet. The rest of the SSHS cadets will head there today.
According to retired Sgt. Maj. Richard Basa, their JROTC Army instructor, the Manta Ray cadets will compete with 45 other Drill teams from JROTC high school programs on the West Coast.
This the third year in a row that SSHS will see action at Golden Bear.
In order to qualify, SSHS had to win the local competition in March.
Cadet Jeremiah Roberto, a member of the Armed Drill team that is leaving today, said they practiced seven days a week in the buildup to Golden Bear.
First row, kneeling from left, Julie Mamaril, Jonah Socorro and Chelsea Ayuyu. Second row, retired Sgt. Major Basa, Sadia Rahman, Jolash Saluta, Ashley Villagomez, Nia Amandus, and Ramona Maratita.
Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion cadets pose for a group photo at their Koblerville campus.
