From Drill Deck to Daytona

By ISABELLA CUADRADO

History is in the making for the Washingtonville High School JROTC Drill Team as they gear up for their first ever appearance in the U.S. Army JROTC National Drill Championships. Taking place May 2nd in Daytona Beach, Florida, this prestigious competition at the Ocean Center Arena features the most elite Army JROTC units from across the country and now the ‘Magic Battalion’ is among them.

Under the dedicated leadership of Drill Commanders senior Isabella Cuadrado (yours truly) and junior Isabella DeFrancesco, this remarkable team, composed of cadets from all grade levels, is proof of what discipline, teamwork, and early mornings can achieve. For months, cadets have reported to school at 6:00 a.m. four days a week, balancing grueling practices with classes, after school sports, and community commitments. Through cold mornings and dark bus rides, they’ve shown unwavering dedication.  Their hard work has paid off with a well earned spot on the national stage.

Let’s not sugarcoat it, those early mornings weren’t always pretty. Some cadets were already up and moving by 5:00 a.m., while others looked like they rolled straight out of bed and into formation.  At that hour, remembering left from right isn’t always easy, but the focus, repetition, and determination carried them forward. Whether it was reviewing military knowledge for inspection, perfecting their facing movements, or squaring away uniforms to regulation standards, this team was all in from day one.

That discipline was on full display this past November, when Washingtonville hosted and competed in its first drill meet of the season, right here at home.  Facing off against eleven other schools, the ‘Magic Battalion’ not only held their own but walked away with first place overall, excelling in categories like Unarmed Squad, Armed Platoon, Color Guard, and Exhibition. Even our New Cadet division took first place. Everyone’s strong showing didn’t just make a statement, it lit the path to Nationals.

Behind every great team stands strong leadership.  Washingtonville’s JROTC program is guided by the steady hands of Sgt. Kawski and Col. Brockway whose vision and tireless dedication have been instrumental in making this moment possible.  As Col. Brockway prepares for retirement, this journey to Nationals stands as a fitting tribute to a career spent building leaders of character, and a great beginning for Sgt. Kawski as he steps into the role of Head Army Senior Instructor.  Not a bad note to retire on, Colonel.

While this year’s trip is filled with hope and competitive spirit, the team’s eyes are already set on the future.  The goal is not just to show up at Nationals, but to build a tradition.  A legacy.  This is something younger cadets can look up to and strive for.

So whether you hear the sound of synchronized steps echoing through the hallways, or the unmistakable “MA-GIC!” rally cry from the drill deck, know that these cadets have earned every bit of this honor.  Nationals isn’t just a destination, it’s a milestone in what is already a proud and growing legacy of excellence for the Washingtonville JROTC Drill Team.