On Feb. 7, Cardozo’s NJROTC unit participated in two drill competitions: the Area 2 Championships and the League 9 Drill Tournament, placing at both. The varsity teams in the program competed at the Area 2 Championships at Owen J. Robert’s High School in Pennsylvania, while the first year cadets competed in the League 9 Drill Tournament at Francis Lewis High School in Queens.
At Francis Lewis, the first year cadets competed in seven categories: Unarmed Platoon, Armed Platoon, Unarmed Inspection, Armed Inspection, Unarmed Exhibition, and Color Guard. Although they were only NS1’s, or first years, they were going against varsity teams. The NS1’s were able to demonstrate a full Unarmed Exhibition routine, with minimal practice.
“I was really nervous but it was a great experience where we got to try new things,” an NS1 cadet said. “It was my first time competing and I’m really proud of our team!”
With days of practice and dedication, the cadets were able to take home 5th-place in the Armed Platoon category.
“I’m really happy that we had the opportunity to compete in so many categories,” another NS1 added. “I hope next year we can come back even better.”
100 miles away, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Cardozo’s varsity cadets competed in the Area 2 Championships. This competition was a major achievement for the unit because schools must qualify to attend. As this is the second year qualifying for Championships, the cadets put in the most effort to do their best.
Cadets competed in eight different categories: Unarmed Platoon, Armed Platoon, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Exhibition, Academics, Physical Fitness, Color Guard, and a Unit Inspection, where all competing cadets were asked military knowledge questions.
Cardozo’s Armed Exhibition team, commanded by Cadet Lieutenant Carlos Aviles, placed first overall, adding to their 4x win streak.
With weeks of preparation and study sessions, 40 cadets competing at the Championships confidently answered military questions, while being graded on their uniform and bearing. Led by Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class, Akkum Padda, the NJROTC unit brought back 3rd place.
“My favorite part of the day was definitely the inspection, I think the study sessions helped a lot,” a varsity cadet shared. “We went over everything, from rifle parts to the eleven principals of leadership and getting third place overall really showed how much effort we put into this.”
During Knock-out, a “high-energy, elimination-style drill game that acts as a military “Simon Says” game, Cardozo cadets held all places on the podium. 3rd place went to C/CPO, Morgan Chiu, 2nd place went to C/PO2, Benjamin Lee, and 1st place went to C/PO2, Jason Park.
The final placements for both competitions was as follows:
Francis Lewis Drill Competition:
- Fifth-place: Armed Platoon, commanded by C/SA, Cadence Chun
Area 2 Championships:
- First-place: Armed Exhibition, commanded by C/LT, Carlos Aviles
- Third-place: Unit Inspection, commanded by c/PO2, Akkum Padda
Overall, the cadets demonstrated exceptional teamwork and determination.
