To celebrate their third State Championship in three years, the MacArthur High School (MHS) JROTC Drill and Color Guard team members traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol to be recognized by Oklahoma state officials.
With Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt in attendance, the MHS cadets were celebrated for their success over the past three years. They were recognized on the House Floor by Lawton Districts House Representatives Randy Worthen, Daniel Pae, Trey Caldwell and the House Minority Leader Ms. Cyndi Munson.
In addition to their recognition, the Highlander Battalion had the privilege of receiving a tour of the State Capitol by University of Oklahoma Professor Mr. Coleman Patterson.
This was a great honor for the MHS JROTC Drill and Color Guard team after their remarkable achievement this year.
In 2024, the Highlander Battalion’s Unarmed Drill Team, commanded by Cadet Capt. Abigail Benoit, placed first in the inspection and exhibition drill phases, and third placed during the regulation drill phase. Benoit received the Best Commander of Excellence Award for her performance at the meet.
In the Unarmed Dual Exhibition competition, Benoit and Cadet 2nd Lt. Destiny Threat took second place. Threat also won first place in the individual Knock-Out Drill competition against 150 other cadets.
The Armed Drill Team won second place in the Armed Regulation drill and inspection phases. The Armed Drill Team was commanded by Cadet Command Sgt. Major Scott Mahrer for the first two phases. Cadet 1st. Lt. Nicholas Godfrey commanded the team for the Armed Exhibition drill phase, also winning second place.
In the Armed Dual Exhibition competition, Godfrey and Cadet Master Sgt. Ian Barrois took second place. The Armed Color Guard, commanded by Cadet Lt. Col. Kai Aguilar, won third place overall.
The group also claimed similar honors in 2022 and 2023.
