Cadets showing off their awards at the qualifier drill meet in Albuquerque. Courtesy/NJROTC

By Chief Aron Ayers, USN (Ret)
Senior Naval Science Instructor
Los Alamos High School

Los Alamos NJROTC is one step closer to nationals after a stellar performance at the Area 20 East Qualifier Drill Meet in November. The cadets gave their all in every event at Highland High School. Topper Company demonstrated their strength across multiple categories, earning 1st place in Physical Fitness and several 3rd place finishes, ultimately securing 3rd place overall.

This impressive result earned them a spot at the prestigious Area 20 Quest for Gold regional competition Saturday, Feb. 8, at Sahuarita High School in Arizona. They will be competing against the top NJROTC units from across the Southwest and Mountain West, including New Mexico, Texas, California and Colorado.

The winner of this meet will have the incredible opportunity to compete against the best NJROTC programs in the nation at the Navy Nationals competition held in March at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

The NJROTC cadets will depart from LAHS at 9 a.m. this Friday, Feb. 7, with a police escort, a fitting send-off for these dedicated cadets. Let’s show our Los Alamos pride! Cheer on Topper Company as they depart, representing our community with distinction. Follow their journey to regionals and beyond on Facebook at Los Alamos Navy JROTC and Instagram at Los_Alamos_NJROTC.