Reading, PA (March 26, 2006) - When it comes to being involved in JROTC you have to be disciplined, competitive, hard working and learn how to deal with the pressure.  This is shown every year with JROTC members who attend Reading High School and work for the bid competition.

This year's competition was on March 25 at Reading High School from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The JROTC members competed against 16 different JROTC teams from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

"The interesting point in the competition is that we have the national champions in the whole United States" said Capt. Bill Jimenez, who oversees Reading's JROTC program.  The participants practice every morning before school and after school.  "Our students worked for months and practiced and I'm really proud for all the work they've done," said Jimenez.

The competition consisted of military drills and initiated with the flag presentation followed by the exhibition drill.

Then there was a rifle exhibition where males has to perform movements with the rifles.  The exhibition reflected traditional procedures.

"I like to participate; it's a good experience since its my senior year.  It feels good to teach others what I learned over the years," said Julian Gomez, a JROTC cadet for three years and commander of inspection.

The competition had other sections as well, such as inspection (unarmed and armed), and the freshman drill team also performed.  The unarmed drills were performed mostly by females and the armed drills mostly by males with a few females.

"We are raising money to go to the national championships in Daytona Beach, Fla.," said Stephanie-Kav Avila, who was also involved and has been a JROTC member for two years.  Rahway High School of New Jersey won the competition overall.  Reading High School won second place for the armed regulation drill out of 11 teams and placed second as well for the new cadet drill out of 12 teams.

Victor Ortiz, Julian Gomez and Xavier Torres received medals for their individual performances.

"I think the experience is a great challenge for our students to perform, set goals and prepare for competitions," concluded Jimenez.

Source: The Reading Eagle, April 4, 2006, Voice Correspondent Jasmine Perez

The following are results of the 2006 1st District Drill Meet:

Armed Inspection

1.  Rahway High School
2.  Abraham Clark High School
3.  Lynn English High School
4.  Madison Park Vocational Technical
5.  Elizabeth High School