The MacArthur High School JROTC Highlander Battalion has been named the 2023 Overall State Champions.
The battalion also has won the Army Drill and Color Guard State Championship for the second year in a row.
On April 8, the battalion traveled to Oklahoma City to compete in the Oklahoma Drill Teams State Championship, where they competed against teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
MacArthur’s Unarmed Drill Team, commanded by Cadet Captain Gracie Kimbrell, earned first overall and Best in Army, claiming first in Regulation and Exhibition Phases and second place during the Inspection Phase. Kimbrell also received the Commander of Excellence Award.
In the Armed Drill Team category, the team commanded by Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. John Kennedy won first place overall as well and Best in Army. They were first in the Exhibition Phase and second in the Inspection and Regulation Phases. Kennedy also received the Commander of Excellence Award.
Additionally, the Armed Color Guard Team commanded by Cadet Maj. Kai Aguilar won second place overall.
The Highlander Battalion is led by Senior Army Instructor Maj. Craig Redfearn.
