Unit Announcements

Latest announcements regarding events, notification, and updates from Cherokee High School's NJROTC 

David crockett marksmanship meet

RCS 100th anniversary


AS SEEN IN THE ROGERSVILLE REVIEW

NAVAL AIR STATION, PENSACOLA FL

CHAnge of command

22nd annual awards night

On the night of May 9th, 2023 Cherokee NJROTC cadets made their way to their school's gymnasium to celebrate a wonderful year.  Their hard-earned awards were patiently waiting for them, just feet away. 

Cadets young and old received awards, with recruiters, commanders and other government officiants presenting them.

Along with this, senior cadets were given one last honor, as they stood in front of all their family and friends presenting their hard work in precious shadow boxes. 

Three of these seniors, Kaiden Sauceman, Isaiah Holsinger, and Keirsten Ramsey will go on to defend our great nation through their service in the United States Navy.

CHerokee NJrotc named distinguished unit for 17 consecutive years

as seen in the Kingsport times & the ROGERSVILLE REVIEW 

Cherokee NJROTC made headlines as they were named "Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors" for the 17th consecutive year, a title only earned by a few select units across the nation.

These cadets graciously served their community and their school throughout the school year and summer, earning approximately 4,498 community service hours total.

This title also gave the Senior Naval Science Instructor the authorization to nominate up to 3 cadets to the Service Academy of any military branch.

The unit's annual Awards Ceremony will be held on the 9th of May where exemplary cadets will be honored for their devotion to the unit and each other. The unit's change in command will occur before the event's commencement.

Cherokee njrotc cadets make nationals

Cadets across the unit marked a new beginning as they competed in the Fourteenth Annual 2023 NJROTC National Orienteering Championship (NNOC) in Rutledge, Georgia. From March 17 to 19, these cadets navigated their way through Hard Labor Creek State Park, where they fought to beat out the competition.

While Cherokee's NJROTC Unit had been invited to a National Orienteering Championship competition before, they did not have the opportunity to attend, making this the cadets' first national's competition for the sport of orienteering.

Amongst 46 schools, Cherokee NJROTC Cadets placed 20th overall, 24th in the JV Division, and 20th in the Intermediate Division.

Individual places are as follows:

Cherokee NJROTC Cadets compete at Annual 1st year dr. seuss Drill Meet 

On 25 February, 2023, determined cadets marched themselves to victory, bringing home high hopes for the future and a new sense of pride for their unit. Those acting in the drill meet (with exception to the team commanders) were all novices in the trade. With less than a year of experience under their belts, these cadets put their game face on and didn't waiver in the face of the unknown.

The highly competitive drill meet consisted of seven portions:

Each team displayed their skills in their respective competitions, executing commands and orders without hesitation. 

Senior cadets looking on showed tremendous support, reminded of why they teach; to see the joy in their new cadets' faces; to watch as each cadet grows both in the unit and as a person; to feel the reward of others' success.

Amongst our first year cadets laid Jhay Sulit, who placed 5th in Armed Knockout earning himself a medallion to wear around his neck. He was a prime example to the unit of a simple quote: Practice Makes Perfect.

Cherokee NJrotc Cadets Advance to Level II in the National Academic Bowl              

as seen in the Kingsport Times

This team consists of members Cadet Christopher Ramsey, Cadet Seth Metz, Cadet Adrienne Gipe, and Cadet Melody Wichelns.

These cadets have spent countless hours studying both individually and as a group to prepare for the intense competition: the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB).

Out of 530 schools, Cherokee was one of 33 teams to progress to the semifinals. 

The next round slims the competition down to 8 schools*, who will go on to compete at the National Academic Championship held at the Catholic University of America located in Washington, DC in June of 2023.


*Note: Only 2 teams from Division One and Division Two, as well as four teams from Division Three will be attending the Finals. Cherokee High School is within Division Two, and therefore must be one of the 2 highest scoring teams in the Division to advance.

Cherokee NJROTC Cadets COmpete at Boone-Docks Rifle Competition and are victorious


 On Tuesday, 7 February, the team attended the Boone-Docks STS Rifle Competition which took place at Daniel Boone High School, Gray TN. 


 Split into two teams of four, Cherokee’s Marksmanship program is composed of Cherokee 1 and Cherokee 2.  On team 1 and winning first place was Cadet Tucker Houck. Joining him were Cadets Dustin Mayes, Dakota Lacy, and Melody Wichelns.


 These eight cadets shot in a 600 point competition. Each cadet shot 20 targets in Prone, Kneeling, and Standing positions. These cadets spend hours in and outside of school sharpening their aim.


 On team 2, the top shooter was Cadet Austin Roberts, who shot side by side with Cadets Leighona Sizemore, Malachi Robbins, and Seth Metz. Cadets Casey Greene, Isabella Ford, and cheered them on from the sidelines, serving as alternates.

Cherokee NJROTC’s 21st Annual Military Ball 

For most this past weekend, it was their first Military Ball: a landmark event marking their unwavering dedication to the Navy Junior ROTC program here at Cherokee High School. In order to be eligible for the Ball, cadets are held to the expectations of maintaining high aptitude, participation, and a positive mental attitude. They are also required to properly wear their uniforms once weekly.

 

Due to COVID-19 Cherokee’s Military Ball had not been held at the Army National Guard Armory since the 2019-2020 school year, but this year’s Ball brought a definite end to that.

Cadets from schools around the region joined in on the celebration, with cadets from Volunteer High School, David Crockett High School, Daniel Boone High School, and a few others attending. 


The unit’s Cadet Commanding Officer Taylor Lawson kicked off the ball, announcing a new beginning. Senior Cadets and top Chain of Command had the honor of being the first to cut the cake. This cake cutting ceremony takes the use of a sword as a “reminder that we are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that our nation may live in peace.” 


For our long-awaited seniors, they celebrated their last hoorah! Their years in the unit have most certainly been memorable. We can only hope that it has shaped them into not only better US citizens but also prepared them for the long adventures ahead of them. We wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors!