CONGRATULATIONS to Saipan Southern High School’s and Tinian High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Drill Teams! The two schools have demonstrated their dominance in drill and ceremony at the Golden Bear West Coast National Drill Meet, which was hosted at North High School in Torrance, California. They demonstrated not only their extraordinary skill but also their constant dedication and teamwork, coming out on top overall. Their triumph establishes a standard of excellence for future generations and is a monument to these outstanding young cadets’ skill, character, and discipline.
Tinian and Saipan Southern High School competed alongside 42 other high schools in the varsity division. The schools representing the CNMI did exceptionally well, bringing home seven trophies, including the Golden Bear West Coast National Champions Trophy, the first time the CNMI has been named overall varsity champions. This year’s success was great for the CNMI schools, demonstrating their competitive abilities in this prestigious national competition.
“This was an elite experience, to say the least,” C/MAJ Amandus, Malentino said. “Out of three consecutive wins I’ve experienced, this year’s win felt the most surreal! This was my second year commanding the Manta Ray Battalions Unarmed Exhibition Drill Team, and I could not have done it without all 14 of my cadets. I will confidently say that no regret ever crossed my mind throughout this trip, and this year’s Golden Bear Season deserves its own book. Nonetheless, this experience was successful, and it felt so amazing being a part of this group representing the CNMI, a little spec on the globe, doing BIG things. CNMI, here is the gold!”
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the Golden Bear Competition is certainly a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life,” C/2LT Lenteja, Adriel said. “Our cadets pushed through and gave their all, spending many hours practicing routines and inspection questions. It was definitely an honor for me to represent the CNMI, especially since this was my school’s [Tinian High School] first time sending up a team for the armed drill category. I’ll make sure to learn from this experience so that we can have the best chance of representing our home again for another year.”
After enduring over ten grueling months of relentless training and facing countless obstacles, these cadets’ unwavering dedication, tireless effort, and perseverance have triumphed. Refusing to be held back by hardships, they have forged ahead with unwavering commitment, transforming challenges into stepping stones toward their ultimate victory.
We are immensely grateful to our local supporters and devoted parents whose unwavering presence and boundless encouragement have been the cornerstone of our journey to triumph. Their unwavering belief in our potential has fueled our determination, leading us toward success. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Lawrence Camacho, the CNMI PSS Commissioner of Education, Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, Ms. Ramona Maratita, the Principal of Saipan Southern High School, Mr. Vince Dela Cruz, Mr. Jeffery Bacani, 1SG Joe King, CPT Joseph Santos, Ms. Shirley Cepeda, and the Principal of Tinian Jr. Sr. High School Mrs. Elizabeth Perzinski whose unwavering support and invaluable guidance have been instrumental in our achievements.
On behalf of the Saipan Southern High School JROTC Drill Team cadets, we express profound gratitude to our head of guidance, Senior Army Instructor CSM (Ret.) Richard Basa. With his unwavering belief in our potential and tireless encouragement, he has sculpted us into champions of perseverance and victory. We stand today as a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to our success.
“Competing in the 2024 Golden Bear Drill meet was an experience,” C/LTC Tirona, Edward said. “We are very grateful to be selected to compete in the competition. Blood, sweat, and tears were all endured in our journey towards the competition. Our efforts paid off as a team representing the CNMI, and we brought the gold back home. I’m proud of both teams, Tinian and Saipan, who worked hard to win the competition as a whole. Seeing other schools, different JROTC branches, and diverse skills routines presented was amazing. We hope Team CNMI stays strong and continues to keep its reputation up! Congratulations to all! HOOAH!!”
“As a senior cadet in the drill team, I’d say from four years of experience and competing as this is my third time competing in the Golden Bear competition,” C/LTC De Ramos, Mechaella said. “This being my last year, and for it to be the first time we swept the overall varsity division was so fulfilling”
As we bid farewell to our senior cadets, who made up more than half of both Tinian and Saipan Southern high school drill teams, we embarked on a bittersweet journey of parting ways. Your departure marks the closing of one chapter and the opening of another, filled with infinite possibilities and new horizons. May you carry with you the valuable lessons learned and the cherished moments that have happened throughout this journey? Farewell to our dear senior cadets, and may your future endeavors be filled with success, fulfillment, and boundless joy.
To our extraordinary drill team cadets, resounding congratulations on your triumph! Your achievement is not just a victory; it showcases your unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Mega Hooah!
