Katy ISD Navy JROTC Ranks 3rd in Texas at 2025 State Championship, Excels in Drill and Academics
Katy Independent School District's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit, based at Mayde Creek High School (MCHS), has achieved a commendable third-place finish at the 2025 NJROTC Area 17/18 Texas State Academics, Athletics, and Drill Championships. The event, held at Texas A&M University in College Station, brought together top NJROTC units from across the state to compete in various disciplines, including drill, academics, and physical training.
The Katy ISD NJROTC unit secured first place overall in Drill, fourth place in Academics, and fifth place in both Personnel Inspection and Physical Training. In addition to the team’s success, individual cadets also earned top honors, with Cadet Caceres (MCHS) placing second in the male push-ups category and Cadet Jones, J. (MCHS) securing fifth place in female curl-ups.
Commander Elvis Mikel, USN (Ret.), Senior Naval Science Instructor, expressed pride in the cadets' performance, stating, "I am proud of our cadets for their showing in the state meet and throughout the competition season. Over the last few months, we've seen these cadets grow and step up as leaders, and we expect to have even greater success next school year."
Mobile Sidebar Ad
This achievement is the culmination of a season marked by consistent excellence. In December 2024, the unit claimed first place overall at the "Admiral Classic" Drill Meet at Nimitz High School. Earlier, in November 2024, they secured second place overall at the George Bush "President's Own" JROTC Drill Meet, earning a coveted spot in the state championship.
Their journey continued with a first-place overall finish at the Magnolia High School JROTC Drill Competition in January 2025, where they excelled in Drill, Academics, and Personnel Inspection. These achievements highlight the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork of the cadets and instructors, whose hard work throughout the season has led to an outstanding performance at the state level.
Katy ISD's NJROTC All-Service Color Guard led the Katy ISD's 82nd annual Rodeo Parade on February 15, 2025. The Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program, established in 1964 under Public Law Title 10, U.S. Code, Chapter 102, aims to develop citizenship, leadership, and an understanding of maritime heritage among high school students. The Katy ISD NJROTC unit, commissioned in April 2009 and based at Mayde Creek High School, serves students from all high schools within the district. The program emphasizes patriotism, personal responsibility, and provides information on military service as a possible career path. Cadets engage in a curriculum that includes naval operations, seamanship, navigation, and meteorology, supplemented by extracurricular activities such as community service, drill competitions, and physical fitness training.
Participation in NJROTC offers students numerous benefits, including scholarship opportunities and career advantages. Cadets are eligible to apply for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarships, which cover full tuition, fees, and provide stipends at over 160 colleges and universities nationwide. Additionally, NJROTC cadets may receive nominations to U.S. Service Academies, such as the U.S. Naval Academy, enhancing their prospects for military careers.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Completing at least three years in NJROTC qualifies cadets for advanced enlistment rank (E-3) in the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, allowing them to enter military service at a higher pay grade. Beyond financial and career incentives, the program fosters leadership skills, self-discipline, and community service experience, which are valuable assets in both military and civilian sectors.
With their impressive third-place finish at the Texas State Championship, the Katy ISD NJROTC unit has solidified its reputation as one of the top programs in the state, setting a strong foundation for continued success in future competitions. To learn more about the Katy ISD Navy JROTC program, visit the program website.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
