Career Center Golden Knights Finish 1St

MEDIA INFORMATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2010

Career Center Golden Knights Finish 1st at Raider Challenge Invitational

JACKSON, Mich. – Jackson Area Career Center’s Army JROTC kept the first-place trophy for their Golden Knight Raider Challenge Invitational at home for the second time since 2005 when they began hosting the invitational.

The Golden Knights topped three-time defending champion Wayne Memorial as well as teams from Westland John Glenn and four Detroit Public Schools high schools in the competition held Oct. 22-23 at Camp McGregor.

“I knew we had a good chance at being at the top, and I am very proud of our finish” said SGT Thomas Emond. “They gave everything they had and took first or second in all seven events! Our cadets have placed second the last three years to Wayne Memorial.”

This time, Wayne Memorial took second place while Detroit’s Cass Tech ended up third. “During the trophy presentation I asked (a cadet) why she was crying,” said Emond, “and her response was, ‘I've given this team everything and had to settle for second the last two competitions, and this year, we can call ourselves champions.’” Each team was made up of eight cadets and two alternatives. Cadets spent the night at the camp and woke early Saturday morning to compete in individual and team events. The competition included an academic exam, air-rifle marksmanship, push-ups and sit-ups, an obstacle course, and finally a 3K run while carrying a 25-pound pack and crossing a one-rope bridge.

The Career Center’s first-place team represented eight different Jackson-area public school districts and was lead by co-captains Stephen Dulworth of Jackson High and Chase Perry of Hanover-Horton. Other team members included Hank Reger (Columbia Options), Sean Watkins (East Jackson), David Grayson (Columbia Central), Lindsay Olmstead ( Springport), Sarah Thode (Western Options), Kaela Ramey (Jackson High), David Clemons (Michigan Center), and Ajalon St. Charles (Napoleon).

The Golden Knight Raiders is just one of seven clubs/teams open to cadets who enroll in the Career Center’s Army JROTC program. Other clubs and teams include the President’s Academic Challenge, Rifle Marksmanship, Cavalry (Horse) Platoon, Community Service, Color/Honor Guard, and Drill/Ceremony. These groups are an extension of the Army JROTC program and designed to promote leadership, decision-making, discipline, physical fitness, mental well-being and volunteerism.

For more information, go to www.jacc-mi.net or www.usarmyjrotc.com # # # Photo and caption:

Caption: Jackson Area Career Center’s Army JROTC Raiders Challenge 1st place team pictured kneeling in front row (left to right) Sarah Thode (Western Options) and Kaela Ramey(Jackson High). In the middle row are Ajalon St. Charles (Napoleon), Stephen Dulworth (Jackson), Hank Reger (Columbia Options), David Clemons (Michigan Center), Lindsay Olmstead (Springport), and David Grayson (Columbia Central). In the back row are Chase Perry (Hanover-Horton) and Zean Watkins (East Jackson).

CONTACTS:

SFC Tom Emond, Army JROTC Instructor (517) 990-6635 [email protected]

LTC Curt Lapham, Army JROTC Instructor (517) 990-6606 [email protected]

Cindy Lyons, Communications Specialist (517) 768-5211 [email protected]