CNMI Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets won several awards at the Golden Bear West Coast National Drill Meet held recently in Torrance, California.
CONGRATULATIONS to Saipan Southern High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Drill Team, for achieving yet another significant accomplishment by representing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island at the Golden Bear West Coast National Drill Meet in Torrance, California.
For the first time in history, both Saipan Southern High School’s Unarmed and Armed teams were able to fly out together to compete in the varsity division, representing the CNMI against 35 other high schools across the West Coast. This was a significant achievement for Saipan Southern High School, as they had been able to send their teams to compete on numerous occasions in the past, but never before had they been able to send both teams together to compete.
In addition, Marianas High School’s Unarmed team also competed in the same competition, but in the novice division. The schools representing the CNMI did exceptionally well, bringing home a total of 14 trophies, including the Army Traveling Trophy, which was also won last year by Saipan Southern High School’s Unarmed team alongside Marianas High School’s Armed team. This year’s success was a great achievement for the CNMI schools, and it demonstrated their competitive abilities in this prestigious national competition.
Saipan Southern High School’s representation of CNMI in the nationals for the second consecutive time has been a fantastic experience for all the cadets and instructors involved, who played a significant role in achieving the team’s incredible accomplishments this year.
“It has been such an amazing experience. I’d like to thank my team for making it to every practice day we had and for giving their all. Thank you for committing yourselves to this team and making this far. I am so beyond proud of us all. This victory is ours. Cherish every moment you create because it all just happens so fast,” said C/CPT Amandus Malentino, Saipan Southern High School’s Unarmed Exhibition Commander.
After over eight months of intense training and countless practice sessions, the incredible dedication, hard work, and perseverance of these cadets have finally paid off. Despite the many challenges they faced along the way, they never gave up and worked tirelessly to reach the level of success they have achieved today.
“I am immensely proud of our Unarmed and Armed teams for their outstanding performances at the Golden Bear National Championships. Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork paid off, and it’s an honor to witness their achievements representing our school and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on a national stage,” said Saipan Southern High Schools Army Instructor, SFC (Ret.) Deynarose Sunderland.
Thank you!
We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our wonderful local supporters and parents who have been with us throughout our entire journey. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to SGM Herman Atalig, Board of Education member, Dr. Alfred Ada, Commissioner of Education, Mr. Eric Magofna, Associate Commissioner of Adminsitration, Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, Senior Director of Student Service and Support, Mr. Vince Dela Cruz, Saipan Southern High School’s Principal, Mr. Donvan Tudela, our CNMI State Teacher of the Year, Ms. Mona Maritita, Saipan Southern High School Administrative Officer, our cadets’ parents, and last but not the least our Saipan Southern High School Alumni for their unwavering support and guidance. Without their help and support, we could not have achieved such remarkable success.
On behalf of the Saipan Southern High School JROTC Drill Team cadets we’d also like to thank our Senior Army Instructor CSM (Ret.) Richard Basa and our Army Instructor SFC (Ret.) Deynarose Sunderland for their never ending support and for constantly pushing us cadets to strive for nothing but excellence.
We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations once again to our exceptional cadets! Mega Hooah!
