Cadets from Marion High School JROTC have advanced into the second round of the nationwide JROTC Leadership / Academic Bowl (JLAB) competition. More than 2,000 teams representing Army JROTC programs participated in the first round of this competition. The Giants are one of only nine teams from Indiana to advance into the second round.
The competition, hosted by the College Option Foundation, focuses on core high school curriculum — covering math, science, and language arts — along with knowledge of how to get into college, financial literacy, and current events. The testing is very similar in nature to the SAT or ACT.
Marion fielded a team of six cadets led by sophomore Lilly Carter, along with juniors Anthony O’Neil and Sarah Terhune, and sophomores Grace Carpenter, Alicia Jimenez, and Khamrynn Allen.
“I am so excited that we advanced,” said an elated Carter, whose next question was when do they test in the second round.
The second round of testing will occur in February, and much is at stake for the Giants. If they are able to advance into the third and final round, they will travel to Washington, D.C., on an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the national finals.
“It is exciting for our cadets to advance,” said retired Lt. Col. David Farlow, the program’s Senior Army Instructor. “Often, the strength of our cadets’ academic prowess is overshadowed by the achievements of our Raider, marksmanship and drill teams.”