Special to Iredell Free News

The South Iredell Marine Corps JROTC Drill Team has solidified their bid to attend the National MCJROTC Finals for the fourth year in a row.

Only 15 of the 255 MCJROTC programs in the nation qualify for this honor each year.

The South Iredell team, which is comprised of 21 cadets competed in the regional competition at Trickum Middle School in Lilburn, Ga., on Saturday February 22.

The stakes were high as only the first-place team would earn a spot in the National Competition.

South Iredell took top honors in Color Guard, Armed Exhibition, Unarmed Exhibtion and Armed Platoon, with a second place in Unarmed Platoon.

The team’s overall first-place finish was rewarded with a trip to Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., on April 30.

These competitions test the Cadets knowledge of the Marine Corps values, organization and history, along with thier physical skills in the events of Inspection, Armed and Unarmed Platoon, Armed and Unarmed Exhibition, and Color Guard.

Beginning in September each year, this dedicated group of student cadets put in many hours to prepare for these competitions. They start their days with practice before school begins and during their lunch break.

Marine Instructor MSgt. Fisher and Senior Marine Instructor Lt. Col. Rogers are in charge of JROTC program at South Iredell High School.