Hamilton takes 2nd Overall at Grove City ! 

Hamilton High NJROTC Dominates Midwest Region Orienteering Championship…AGAIN

Hamilton High’s NJROTC Unit orienteering team again swept the midwest regional championships…Known as NJROTC Areas 14 and 15…with a record high 15 schools registering and nearly 115 runners competing, this was the largest Navy JROTC orienteering event for this area.   Sweeping the varsity and jr varsity events along with the overall championship trophies, the Hamilton team again receives an automatic invitation to compete in NJROTC Nationals.  This year's event will be held be held 15-16 Mar 2025 near Birmingham, AL.  The varsity team was led by Callie Graham and Alex Gutierrez and the Jr varsity team was led by Samuel Main.  Varsity team members include Graham, Gutierrez, Ayden Aragon, Jacob Lynch and Samuel Purcell.   Jr Varsity include Main, Conner Brunner, Aaron Knight, Dominik Platt and Lacie Miller.  In the open class, 9th grader Elizabeth Harness was 3rd overall on the female JV course.  Many of these students have participated in orienteering camps either in Texas or Kentucky in order to improve their skills. 

A land navigation sport typically held in wooded areas,  orienteering requires a person to find multiple checkpoints, in a particular order and using only a map and basic compass.  Both speed and route selection are key attributes to success.  

 AREA MANAGER GIVES HAMILTON HIGH MARKS FOR THE 2024/2025 

ANNUAL AREA MANAGERS INSPECTION

November 7th 2024, Hamilton's Navy Junior Officer Training Corps, (NJROTC)  held their annual Area Managers inspection led by Cadet LCDR, Callie Graham.  There are three key components to conducting an inspection, a uniform personnel inspection(UPI) and a pass & review ceremony involve all Cadets and held in the schools main gym.  The 3rd component is an administrative programs review that involves both instructors and those Cadets specifically assigned the resonsibilities for the inspected program.

For the UPI, the staff and first platoons were both inspected by Area 14 Manager, Commander Robinson, and both second and third platoons were inspected by Navy and Marine Corps recruiters.

For the pass & review ceremony that began at 9:45 am, C/LCDR, Callie Graham, gave each platoon and the battallion at large specific orders to conduct the ceremony. Carrying the company's guide-on was Cadet Petty officer 3rd class, Austin Caudill. Hamilton's staff platoon was lead by Cadet XO, Jacob Lynch, Leading the 1st platoon was Cadet Chief Petty Officer, Landon Horn. Commanding the second platoon was Cadet Petty Officer third class, Trinity Apodaca, and commanding the third platoon was Cadet Petty Officer third class Carmen Jenkins.

    Hamilton spent weeks preparing perfectly to execute their Area Managers Inspection. Thanks to Hamilton's Naval Science Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant McAlister, and Senior Naval Science Instructor, Captain Scott Eberwine, all Cadets were able to pull through with their own each individual parts with the help of their excellent guidance.  Cadets helped each other in many ways all contributed to help Hamilton have a very successful and nearly perfect  Area Managers inspection. 

 Hamilton Cadets also took time to appreciate Gunnery Sergeant Mcalister for his over 20 years of service as Hamilton’s Naval Science Instructor, and congratulated him on his upcoming retirement at the end of February.  CDR Robinson presented a letter of appreciation from the Director of NJROTC, Mr Bruce Nolan. We are deeply thankful for Gunnery Sergeant Mcalister’s time, and dedication he has put into Hamilton’s Navy Junior Officer Training Corps, making  Hamilton one of the top programs in the Midwest and country.  

Story by, Cadet  PO2 Trinity Apodoca  

Hamilton takes 2nd Overall at Northmont !

Hamilton High NJROTC tours SSBN Florida, and takes a trip to 

MCRD Parris Island!

HAMILTON WINS AT HIGHLAND 

HAMILTON WINS AT HIGHLAND 

October 5th, 2024 Hamilton High School's NJROTC participated in the Highland High School Drill meet, in Sparta Ohio.   Hamilton cadets, Callie Graham, Sage Apodaca, and Samuel Purcell, all had  outstanding performances, leading Hamilton's NJROTC, to take first place overall, nine schools competing.   Finishing a close 2d was Northmont HS from Clayton, Oh.  Zion Benton from Chicago, IL finished in 3rd.

Cadet CO, Callie Graham led Hamilton's Inspection, and Unarmed Platoon IDR performance, Earning 1st in inspection, and 2nd in the Unarmed IDR.

Cadet Ensign, Samuel Purcell led the Armed Platoon IDR, taking 2nd place, giving an outstanding performance.

Cadet Ensign, Sage Apodaca commanded Hamilton's Color Guard, Earning  1st place . Cadet MCPO, Ayden Aragon, Cadet Ensign, Brandon Helton, and Cadet CO, Callie Graham, were a part of the 1st Place Color Guard.

Cadets Sage Apodaca and Helton won 1st place in the UnArmed and Armed Knockout to end the days events.

BZ to the entire Hamilton Drill team, a good day for all !

Story by, Cadet PO3 Trinity Apodoca   

ORIENTEERING CAMP        CARTER CAVES, KY       2024

From June 2d  to June 6th,   five  Hamilton High School NJROTC cadets attended the Carter Caves JR Orienteering Camp, at Carter Caves State Park in Kentucky. Payton Mills, Alex Guiterrez, Samuel Main, Shyanne Earnest, and Ayden Aragon, all adapted, and learned new skills, and all individually performed at an excellent rate, and showed outstanding leadership skills throughout this camp. These cadets all learned how to adapt to hasty, and heated environments, but all being under pressure, learned to keep their composure, and worked with each other through numerous courses. 

Story by, Cadet PO3 Trinity Apodoca    

HAMILTON MAKES A BIG STATEMENT AT NJROTC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY  JUNE 21 - 28, 2024 

Nine 3rd and/or 4th year Cadets from the Hamilton High School NJROTC unit participated in the NJROTC Area 14 Leadership Academy, conducted at Camp Atterbury, in Indiana    from June 21 -28, 2024.

Several school NJROTC programs from the Midwest were in attendance, totaling 200 plus students.   Cadets received training in Leadership, Team Building, Drill, Uniform preparations, Air Rifle, First Aid, Orienteering, and Sailing.  All Cadets took a Physical fitness challenge test, (Must pass) and take a challenging Academic test.

Hamilton's future leaders finished in the top of the class.  Hamilton had 3 Cadets finish in the top 10 percent.    Cadet Callie Graham finished # 1 , Cadet Sage Apodoca finished #3, and Cadet Brandon Helton finished 7th.  Hamilton Cadets performed at a high level all week long, and we're very proud of them. 

For their achievements, the Cadets were awarded Leadership Achievement ribbon and certificate.  Additional ribbons were awarded for;   Air Rifle, Drill, Orienteering and Sailing.. 

NJROTC BASIC LEADERSHIP TRAINING JUNE 4 - 7, 2024 

Ten 1st year Cadets from the Hamilton High School NJROTC unit participated in the NJROTC Area 14 Basic Leadership Training, conducted at Floyd Central HS in southern Indiana, from June 4 - 7, 2024

Six NJROTC programs participated in this particular camp and 78 Cadets were on hand, receiving training in Basic Leadership, Team Building, Drill, Uniform preparations, Air Rifle, First Aid and Orienteering.  All Cadets performed admirably. Cadet Alanna Williams was named Hamilton's Honor graduate.  Cadet  Callie Grahaaam 

For their achievements, the Cadets were awarded BLT Achievement Certificates, and ribbons for BLT completion, Air Rifle, Drill and Orienteering. 

Hamilton NJROTC finishes 2d Place Overall at Area 14,  Academics, Athletics and Drill Championships

March  1 & 2,  2024

        This intense competition started Friday afternoon with Academics testing.    Followed up by  Athletic events, push-ups, crunches and a 16 X 100 running relay.   Saturday, starting at 0800, the day consumed all teams with all Drill categories, and a Unit Personnel Inspection.    

        Hamilton, under the Leadership of Cadet CO Robert Graham,  did not disappoint,    Cadets finishes included;     1st place finishes in Academics and Inspection.   2d Place finishes in UnArmed Regulation Drill,  UnArmed Exhibition.   3rd place finishes in, Color Guard, Athletics and Armed Exhibition. 4th place finish in Armed Regulation Drill.   

         We are very proud of our Cadets, and unfortunately, will not be competing at Navy Nationals.   We would like to wish Floyd Central out of Floyd City, Indiana much success at Navy Nationals, representing Area 14.  

On Saturday Feb 3,  Hamilton NJROTC Drill Teams traveled to Chicago, IL for the Chicagoland Drill Meet. 

Hamilton won the first place overall, for the 2d year in a row,  beating out the other 21 schools in attendance. Key performances were the Academic Unit personnel Inspection, and Color Guard. Great job to all the cadets that attended, keep up the hard work! GO BIG BLUE! OORAH!

Grove City Drill Meet 

Jan 27, 2024

Hamilton NJROTC Drill Team traveled to Grove City HS on Saturday Jan 27, 2024.   Cadet CO Robert Graham lead the Unit to an Overall 3rd place finish.   2d place finishes, Inspection, Color Guard, and Exhibition.

Northmont Regional Drill Meet

Oct 28,  2023

Hamilton NJROTC Drill Team traveled to Northmont HS on Saturday Oct 28,2023.   Cadet CO William Benjey lead the Unit to an Overall 1st place finish.  1st place finishes in;  Unit Uniform Personnel Inspection,  Armed IDR, Un-Armed IDR, and 3rd Place finish in Color Guard.  Hamilton entered in additional events on site and mailed in entry events.  2d place finishes in Brain Brawl, NS1 Academics, Varsity Academics and  3rd in Air Rifle.

Good performances by William Benjey, Robert Graham, Gabriel McAbee, Calie Graham and Sage Apodaca and the entire Big Blue Crew..

Up next is our Area Managers Inspection on Wednesday Nov 1, 2023 then on to Camp Perry for Air Rifle Championships on Thursday Nov 2, 2023.               Pictures posted below.

Cadets from Hamilton High NJROTC participated in the October 16, 2023 George E. Brown Lecture Series Event sponsored by the Navy League of the United States, Greater Cincinnati Council.  Seniors William Benjey, Gabrielle McAbee, Robert Graham, Caden Lainhart and Tytan Miller supported the event by presenting and retiring the colors which was held at the Queen City Club in Cincinnati.  Guest of Honor and featured Speaker, General Peter Pace, USMC retired,   The former and 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed current issues and threats around the world, as well as what a full days work was like for the former JCOS.     General Pace  provided time for questions and answers from the guest in attendance.   General Pace met with Hamilton High School Cadets and discussed post high school plans.         Pictured event below.

Highland Drill Meet

Oct 14,  2023

Hamilton NJROTC Drill Team traveled to Highland HS on Saturday Oct 14,2023.   Cadet CO William Benjey lead the Unit to an Overall 1st place finish.   1st place finishes in;  Armed IDR;  2d place finishes were, Un-Armed IDR, and Unit Uniform Personnel Inspection, and 5th Place finish in Color Guard.

Good performances by William Benjey, Robert Graham, Gabriel McAbee, Calie Graham and Sage Apodaca.

A very good performance by all teams, looking forward to our next meet on Oct 28th, at Northmont HS Drill meet.    Pictures posted below.

                                                           HAMILTON IS HEADED TO NAVY NATIONALS !

Hamilton NJROTC finishes 1st Place Overall at Area Three Academics, Athletics and Drill Championships, Hosted here at Hamilton High School,  Friday and Saturday, Feb 24 & 25.

        This intense competition started Friday afternoon with Athletic events, push-ups, crunches and a 16 X 100 running relay.  Academics followed with all schools taking a rigorous 100 question multiple choice test with a 50 minute time limit. 

Saturday, starting at 0800, the day consumed all teams with all Drill categories, and a Unit Personnel Inspection.    

        Hamilton Cadets did not disappoint,    Cadets finishes included;     1st place finishes in Academics and Color Guard.   2d Place finishes in Athletics, Uniform Personnel Inspection, Armed IDR Drill and Armed Exhibition Drill.    3d Place finishes in UnArmed Exhibition and 4th Place finish in UnArmed IDR Drill.   

        Leading the way was Cadet Commanding Officer Jacob Spangenberg. Joining him in strong performances were Cadets Ray New, Wesley Fox, Robert Graham,  Gabrielle McAbee, McKenzie Buddo, Matison Usenuku, Alexis Smith, Nevin Wright, Evan Lunsford, Callie Graham and so many more.  A Team effort by all competing Cadets propelled this unit to an Outstanding two days of performances.    We are very proud of our Cadets and can't wait to compete at the Navy Nationals on March 31st and April 1st. !

       We had lots of help in pulling this incredible meet off with success.  Our Area Manager CDR Matt Jordan, Principal Mr Jon Szary,  Mr Neri and film crew, Athletic Director, Teachers, Custodial Staff,  HHS Boosters, Mrs Rierden and her NHS students, our Judges from the Navy, Marines, Univ of Miami Midshipmen and Army, Wings on Brookwood, and of course, Captain Allison, our former SNSI in attendance as our official scorer, Our parents, just so many to thank .   We are VERY fortunate to be a part of such a Wonderful School District..

On Saturday Feb 11,  Hamilton NJROTC Drill Teams traveled to Chicago, IL for the Chicagoland Drill Meet. 

Hamilton won the first place overall,  beating out the other 21 schools in attendance. Key performances were the Unit personnel Inspection, Academic test and UnArmed Exhibition. Great job to all the cadets that attended, keep up the hard work! GO BIG BLUE! OORAH!

Next time in action will be Feb 24 and 25, here at HHS, Hosting the Area 3 Championships, while at the same time, competing to earn the right to attend Navy Nationals in Pensacola, Fl.   The public is invited !

Cadets from Hamilton High NJROTC participated in the October 25, 2022 George E. Brown Lecture Series Event sponsored by the Navy League of the United States, Greater Cincinnati Council.  Seniors Tristian Cord, Ray New, Alexis Smith, Jacob Spangenberg and junior Mackenzie Buddo supported the event by presenting and retiring the colors which was held at the Queen City Club in Cincinnati.  Guest of Honor and featured Speaker, Vice Admiral Frank Morley, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), gave an update on latest developments in the surface, aviation, submarine and expeditionary warfare areas.  He also provided time for questions and answers addressing current issues including the threat from China, support of Taiwan, Littoral Combat Ships along with some of the challenges in the procurement/acquisition environment.  Following the ceremony he met with Hamilton High School Cadets and discussed post high school plans.

Highland Drill Meet

Hamilton NJROTC Drill Team traveled to Highland HS on Saturday Oct 15,2022.   Cadet CO Alexis Smith lead the Unit to an Overall 2d place finish.   1st place finish, UnArmed Squad;  2d place finishes were, Armed Squad and Platoon; 3rd Place finishes were, Inspection, Color Guard and UnArmed Platoon.

Good performances by Alexis Smith, Ray New, Gabriel McAbee, Robert Graham and Calie Graham.

A very good performance by all teams, looking forward to improving on Oct 29, we the Drill teams travel to Northmont HS Drill meet.

Mini - Orientation Trip to Norfolk

Hamilton High NJROTC Tours USS WASHINGTON (SSN 787) and attends USS ANZIO (CG 68) Decommissioning Ceremony

Eight Hamilton High School NJROTC Cadets had the unique opportunity to visit Norfolk to attend the 22 September decommissioning ceremony of the guided missile cruiser, USS ANZIO (CG 68).  While there, they were able to also tour the USS WASHINGTON (SSN 787), a Virginia class fast attack submarine that incorporates the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) concept to have the latest advances in technology. 

Per Navy policy requirements, there are four required ceremonies in the life of a United States Navy ship.  The first three; laying of the keel, christening and commissioning ceremonies occur at the very beginning of a ships life while the final decommissioning ceremony marks the end of its service to the country.  USS ANZIO (CG 68) served the nation for 30 years with steller performance receiving the Battenberg Cup in 2004 which is an award given annually as a symbol of operational excellence to the best ship or submarine in the United States Atlantic Fleet. Students attending were Owen Benjey, Mackenzie Buddo, Elizabeth Henes, Evan Lunsford, Andrew Miller, Micheal Peery, Alexis Smith and Nevin Wright.  

Big Blue Athletic Meet

On Saturday, October 1st,  Hamilton High NJROTC hosted an Athletic event.  Schools from around the area attended.  Assisting in the Judging were Midshipmen from Miami Univ. NROTC and Marine and Navy recruiters.  Events were; Push-Ups, Crunches, 16 X 100 Shuttle relay, 4 X 220 Relay,  Sprint-Crunch- Sprint, Seal Challenge, Corn Hole and Tug-of -War.    Hamilton earned many 1st places, and turned in a great performance, ultimately resulting in 1st place overall.   

Up next:  Traveling to Highland HS on Oct 15th for our 1st Varsity Drill meet of the year.

NJROTC PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS

Hamilton NJROTC Travels to San Diego, CA for Brain Brawl Nationals

Through their efforts all school year long, Hamilton High School NJROTC earned one of the NJROTC Area 3 spots to compete in the academic competition NJROTC Brain Brawl Nationals.  This event was held onboard the aircraft carrier, USS MIDWAY (CV-40), now a museum ship in San Diego Bay.  Hamilton’s team recovered from a tough opening round to finish just one place out of qualifying for the finals and finishing several places ahead of the other regional team that attended.

While there, they were able to visit various San Diego area military bases and spent a brief time on Coronado beach experiencing the Pacific Ocean.  The team capitalized off of the 8 April school visit where crew members of the USS CINCINNATI (LCS 20) spoke to classes at HHS, and were able to schedule a tour of the ship on 29 April.  Crewmember LT Santino Alteri, who was part of the namesake city visit and stop at Hamilton High led the detailed approximately 2 hour tour.  An incredible experience for the cadets to see the ship and get that level of detail.  Captain Colin Corridan, Commanding Officer of USS CINCINNATI (LCS 20), took time out of his schedule to meet the group and talked about the level of technology used in the ship and encouraged the cadets to pursue STEM related career fields.

Pictured onboard the USS CINCINNATI (LCS 20) is the Hamilton NJROTC Brain Brawl Nationals team (L-R) Willow Schutte, Gabby McAbee, Payton Aragon, Nevin Wright and Robert Graham. 

Pictured on the brow of the USS CINCINNATI (LCS 20) is the Hamilton NJROTC Brain Brawl Nationals team (L-R) Gabby McAbee, Willow Schutte, Robert Graham, Payton Aragon and Nevin Wright. 

Pictured enjoying the Pacific Ocean surf with the Hotel Del Coronado in the background is the Hamilton NJROTC Brain Brawl Nationals team (L-R) Willow Schutte, Payton Aragon, Robert Graham, Gabby McAbee and Nevin Wright. 

Pictured is the Hamilton NJROTC Brain Brawl Nationals team about to compete onboard USS MIDWAY (CV-42)- (L-R) Nevin Wright, Willow Schutte,Gabby McAbee, Payton Aragon and Robert Graham.

Hamilton High NJROTC Travels to San Jose, CA for NJROTC Orienteering Nationals

Hamilton High School had the opportunity to compete at NJROTC Orienteering Nationals (10-15 March) in San Jose, CA.  They had earned the opportunity to compete at this event by virtue of their dominating win at the NJROTC Area 3 Orienteering Championships held in November 2021.  The nationals event was held at Joseph D. Grant Park which is east of San Jose.  Cadets and instructors quickly figured out that elevations and mountains out there were a bit taller than the ones found in Hamilton and around the South Western Ohio area.  Varsity team member Jacob Spangenberg was the 7th top finisher on day 1 out of ~150 competitors. Top 2-day score leaders for the Varsity were Matthew Combs and for the JV, William Kennedy.  Once the competition was completed, the team had the opportunity to visit the San Francisco Bay area including the Golden Gate Bridge and the USS HORNET (CV-12), now a museum ship located in Alameda, CA.

Hamilton NJROTC Orienteering Nationals team members during a practice/orientation to the mountains and topography of Joseph D. Grant Park located near San Jose, CA.

Hamilton NJROTC Orienteering Nationals team pictured includes (L-R) Jacob Spangenberg, Alexander Lopez, Maddex Tripoli, Sabdiel Montano, William Kennedy, Landon Hamblin, Evan Lunsford, Bernardo Hernandez Martinez, Matthew Combs, Tristan Cord and Javier Solorzano Rendon.

Hamilton High’s NJROTC Unit has always had outstanding drill teams that compete for national level recognition. 

Hamilton High’s NJROTC Unit now has an Orienteering Team to add to that Arsenal of Success!  

On 13-14 November, the programs Orienteering team swept the varsity, jr varsity and overall trophies in the inaugural NJROTC Area 3 Orienteering Championships.  With this win, the team receives an automatic invitation to compete in NJROTC Nationals which will be held 11-12 Mar 2022 near San Jose, CA.  Led by team captain Jacob Spangenberg, who had the competitions’ best times for both days, Big Blue competitors were listed throughout the leader board for both Saturday’s event at Camp Butterworth in Mainville and for Sunday at Elk Creek Metropark in Trenton. Varsity team members include Spangenberg, Bernardo Hernandez Martinez, Tristan Cord, Matthew Combs and Sabdiel Montano.  Jr Varsity include Javier Solorzano, William Kennedy, Maddex Tripoli, Alexander Lopez, Evan Lunsford and Landon Hamblin.  Many of these students attended the Texas Jr Orienteering Camp in June where they received focused skills training in orienteering and practicing on multiple courses daily.

A land navigation sport typically held in wooded areas, orienteering requires a person to find multiple checkpoints, in a particular order and using only a map and basic compass.  Both speed and route selection are key attributes to success.  Last spring, the HHS NJROTC unit won the Miami Valley Jr Orienteering Championships varsity and jr varsity competitions...the first time for the program since 2006. 

BZ to these Hard Chargers and their Coach, Captain Eberwine!

HHS NJROTC Shines at 2021 Navy Nationals Virtual Championships! 

By sweeping the Navy NJROTC Area 3 region drill meet, Hamilton’s NJROTC unit participated in the Virtual Navy Nationals Championships participating in and filming events over the late March early April timeframe.  The results for this event were announced this past week, April 16, 2021.

This meet consisted of 24 programs from across the United States, representing the best of each Area Districts championships.  There are over NJROTC 600 total Units in the United States.  Championship events included  Academics, Athletics and five different Drill routines. 

The Hamilton Cadets did not disappoint, finishing in 9th place overall of 24 championship teams for the highest finish in school history.  The previous highest overall finish was 14th place in 2016.

Hamilton earned 1st place finish Color Guard  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZSESs87u-yEI7fTXguo4IL6mcs11rg7n/view?usp=sharing,  4th place finish in Armed Exhibition.  There are 5 drill categories, and Hamilton was awarded the 3rd place in the best overall Drill Unit in the competition.   All of these set Hamilton history records!

Leading the way was our Cadet Commanding Officer Carmella Montgomery.  Joining her in some great performances were Cadet’s Xander Roberts, Michael Middleton, Shawn Kell, and Kelsey Shaw. A Huge BZ to all of our competing cadets for making this a really Awesome Virtual experience for Team Hamilton.

Since the units inception in 2001, Hamilton has earned the right to compete at Navy Nationals 7 times, 1st time being 2008.  This years group has had the greatest success, scoring 3 top 5 finishes.  Taking nothing away from previous years, they were all exceptional.

We are very proud of our Cadets and program, and we thank any and all of our supporters along the way.  A special thanks to our NJROTC Area 3 Manager Commander Hankins and Hamilton High Main Campus Principal Mr. John Wilhelm for the always and continued support of our program.

BZ to all of our competing Cadets!

Check back here for more updates briefly!