CLEMENTE JROTC HOSTS ORIENTEERING
Clemente’s JROTC does it again! After hosting 15 schools and 300 fellow cadets in the first inner-city orienteering competition on September 26, thirty-four cadets awoke before dawn on a frosty October 17 morning and hosted 14 schools and 275 cadets for the second of five orienteering competitions at Red Gate Forest Preserve. Cadet Command Sergeant Major Michael Padilla supervised the loading of orienteering equipment and briefed the cadets on the day’s activities. After the cadets arrived at 8 AM, Cadet Captain Rolando Cano efficiently directed and supervised his staff as they set up the starting lanes, finishing point, registration table, and first aid area.
Cadet Captain Natalis Torres, along with Cadet Corporal Jasmine Bealer, Cadet Rachel (Cami) Evens, and Cadet Staff Sergeant Jesus Lopez, worked the registration table to quickly process all 275 of the visiting cadets. By 8:30, the first cadet team broke from the starting point at a dead run onto the course. The last team completed the course and returned to finish line at 1 p.m. Clemente fielded 4 teams of 3 cadets each. Each team was led by an experience orienteer cadet who was not only responsible to safely complete the course but also teaching and mentoring the novices. The Battalion Surgeon, Captain Kate Arzuaga, rendered medical assistance to a cadet who twisted his knee during the event. Thankfully, the cadet was back on his feet within a very short time. Orienteering builds teamwork, self-confidence, friendship, and leadership.
Lunch consisted of hamburgers and hotdogs fresh off the grill, Rice Krispy treats, fruit snacks and fruit drinks. Other events JROTC participated in during September and October included the Annual Columbus Day Parade, Cadet Picnic, and Clemente Open House.