The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) earned an impressive eighth-place overall finish at the Navy’s National Orienteering Competition (NNOC) conducted March 14-15 in Alachua, Florida. The two-day event brought together more than 504 runners from across the country to test their navigation, endurance and map-reading skills.
Carson’s cadets demonstrated strong performance throughout the challenging courses, highlighted by standout individual achievements. Gracie Shane placed third overall in the Junior Varsity Female category, while Anna Shane secured seventh overall in the Varsity Female division.
Competing against some of the nation’s best, the Carson team’s top-10 finish reflects their dedication, preparation and continued growth in the sport of orienteering.
In addition to the competition, cadets had the opportunity to explore the local area, including a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. The team also made trips to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Fort Matanzas National Monument and the beach.
The following cadets were on the team: Raena Ailes, London Baker, Evan Benshoof, Piper Jensick, Vivi Mellow, Lliam Reeder, Anna Shane, Gracie Shane, Jasmine Slater and Ronald Ward.
Additionally, this past last Sunday, April 26, 13 Carson High NJROTC cadets participated in another volunteer workday on their adopted section of the Linear Ditch Trail. Students collected 12 large bags of trash and dog waste from in and around the ditch. They also pulled and removed invasive weeds from along the trail as well.
The NJROTC program aims to teach high school students the values of citizenship, leadership, character and community service while also providing a foundation for future careers in the military or other fields. The program is offered in more than 600 high schools across the United States, and the NJROTC Area Managers visit each unit once a year to conduct inspections.
