Several members of the Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC Drill Teams competed in the Plum JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) Drill Competition, held Nov. 3 at Plum Senior High School (Plum, Pa.).

The JV Unarmed Drill Team, which included Mars Area High School juniors Rebecca Neiser and Michael Riggio and sophomore Abigail King, took first place. Riggio and Neiser are also members of the JV Armed Drill Team, which earned first place at the competition.

Also, of note, the Varsity Unarmed Drill Team, Varsity Color Guard Team B, and Unarmed Exhibition Drill Team took first place; the Uniform Inspection Team, second place; and the Varsity Color Guard Team A and JV Color Guard Team; third place.

Mars Area and Pine-Richland school districts established a crosstown agreement to enable interested Mars Area High School students (Grades 9-12) to participate in the Pine-Richland U.S. Air Force JROTC program, beginning with the 2018-2019 School Year.

The leadership and character education program motivates students to be better citizens; is focused on community service; and teaches respect for self and authority, personal responsibility, and teamwork skills. Participating Mars Area students are bussed to and from Pine-Richland High School to attend JROTC courses and activities.

The JROTC Drill Teams will next compete in the McDowell JROTC Drill Competition, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, at McDowell High School (Erie, Pa.). For more information, visit www.pinerichland.org/Domain/88.