This past Saturday, the NJROTC drill team opened up their season with a first place victory in the Navy League Birthday Ball color guard competition.

“I felt that the team’s performance on Saturday was the best we could perform. Sure there were mistakes, but we train for many hours each week so that we can continue the performance without hesitation,” said Cadet Brady Brockdorff.

“Our cadets put in countless hours to represent the national colors and our school with professionalism and pride… I am very proud of their commitment and performance as each cadet does an outstanding job representing our school and unit,” said Chief Michael Rodrigues.

Along with a first place trophy, the team has  been selected to represent Linganore and the nationwide NJROTC program at the Navy League Birthday Ball in Washington, D.C. The ball is one of the nation’s largest. This annual event celebrates the 239th birthday of the United States Navy and is attended by senior government and navy leaders from across the country.

“Not only do they (the team) get to represent Linganore, but they represent the NJROTC program to a select audience of very important people . . . such as the Secretary of Defense,” said NJROTC Commander Henry Lane.

The color guard for NJROTC marches and presents the “colors” (the flags).  It involves synchronous movement and accuracy. The team trains for several hours each week to master the discipline and attention to detail that color guard requires.

“To represent not only Linganore but NJROTC at the Navy League Birthday Ball is an honor that I can’t explain. As a high school student to come up on a stage to present the colors, and have the opportunity to meet some of the most powerful people in the United States of America for a night, is an experience that fills me with excitement,” said Brockdorff.

Brockdorff said that the training and dedication from Commander Lane and Chief Rodrigues has inspired him and helped the team become what they are today.