Graham-Kapowsin High School's JROTC Eagle Battalion hosted a drill competition, March 6, taking home several honors.

In attendance were 11 highly motivated high schools competing for the title of number one in color guard, unarmed drill team, armed drill team, rifle team, and physical training (PT) team. Prior to the competition, the S-3, Cadet Capt. Michael Smith, planning and operations officer, made preparations, along with other Eagle Battalion staff members. Instructors Chief Meray and 1st Sgt. Kemp were proud to see greatly increased cadet participation and improved organization skills by the battalion staff.

From the moment JROTC groups from outside schools stepped into Graham-Kapowsin High School, Eagle Battalion cadets and parent volunteers were on top of their mission: to ensure a successful competition. Assisting the Eagle Battalion in the day's events were volunteer cadets from PLU ROTC and the U.S. Army recruiters.

As they finished the day's work, the Eagle Battalion cadets were proud to announce their awe-inspiring scores. The unarmed drill team placed fourth, the color guard placed second, and last but never least, the physical training team placed first. Individuals were just as impressive, persistently dominating the competition grounds. In the armed drill-down, Cadet Capt. Gilbert Blas won first place, with Cadet 1st Lt. Kevin Bourgeois following closely behind in fourth. Cadet 1st Lt. Bourgeois also claimed third for team commanders. The Eagle Battalion PT team, defending its third first place title in a row this year, wiped out all the rest with five individual placements.

For males, Cadet Capt. Michael Smith was awarded first place, followed by the perseverant Cadet Lt. Col. Dylan Gowland in fourth. For females, Cadet Capt. Rebecca Dorsey took second, while Cadet Sgt. Jessica Lawson raced closely behind in fourth and the determined Cadet Capt. Kori Hinkle at sixth. All teams put forth their best efforts and expect to score even more extraordinarily at the fourth and last Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference of 2010.