PHS NJROTC Drill Team at the Nov. 19 Competition. Photo by Janette Robinson

By Aleyshka Barbosa

Every Thursday the school is filled with uniformed cadets showing their Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) pride. For many, that pride goes beyond their uniform. NJROTC’s very own drill team has proven to be one of the most hard working and dedicated teams in the school.

Every day, these students wake up while other PHS students are sleeping at home. They come to school, some walking in the dark street, just to practice and prove the passion they have for what they do. They do not do it for recognition from others, but rather for themselves. Last year Unarmed Varsity won second place at Nationals in Florida.

I asked one of the cadets about what Drill Team meant to her, and Petty Officer First Class Pimentel without hesitation said, “Drill Team to me is about leadership, teamwork and commitment.”

Every Naval Science cadet knows the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment; members of Drill Team make sure to never lose sight of these core values.

Many people, not only cadets and Naval Science instructors, but the faculty and administration will be rooting on the Unarmed and Armed for the win this season.

On Nov. 19, NJROTC had their first competition of the season. The team always does an exceptional job. May this season hold nothing but wins and pride!