Nease’s NJROTC program named No. 1 program in Northern Florida and Georgia

COVID-19 has dampened the spirits of high school students across the area with the loss of spring sports, graduation, prom, etc.  Yet amid the shelter-in-place directives and social distancing requirements, a ray of bright news has shown down on Nease High School.

Cmdr. Rustie L. Hibbard, Navy JROTC Area-12 manager, recently announced Nease High School was named as the Most Outstanding Unit in Area-12, a region that encompasses 60 schools covering the 13 schools in Northeast Florida and the 47 across Georgia.

This marks the eighth time in the past nine years the Navy has recognized Nease NJROTC for its overall excellence. 

The award is based on the total achievement of the program, which includes academic performance, community outreach, campus leadership, graduation plans, physical fitness and competition results.

 “We (seniors) came into JROTC as the number one program back in 2016,” said former Battalion Cmdr. Anna Hampton, who will be attending Northeastern University in the fall.  “And our goal and our legacy was to leave the unit on top. Mission accomplished.”

Among Nease’s noteworthy achievements this past year were first-place championships at McFarland Drill Meet, Mandarin Drill Meet, Terry Parker Drill Meet, Sprayberry (GA) Drill Meet, Area-12 Drill Championships, Bishop Kenny Academic Brain Brawl, Bishop Kenny Drone Challenge and Lee Ultimate Challenge; qualifying for both Drill and Academic national championships; graduating seven seniors with service academy appointments or ROTC scholarships; and the completion of more than 13,000 hours of community service.

 “My future would not have been nearly so bright without NJROTC,” said senior Teagen Pettit, who received a five-year National Preparatory NROTC scholarship to the University of Maine. “NJROTC was the absolute greatest part of my high school experience.”

By finishing No. 1 in Area-12, Nease is now competing for the Most Outstanding Unit in the Nation. 

 “This achievement is the result of a total Nease family effort put forth by disciplined and hard-working cadets, engaged parents and a supportive school administration,” said Capt. Scott LaRochelle, senior naval science instructor. “The character and leadership demonstrated by these extraordinary young men and women never ceases to amaze me.”