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Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC Wins Awards at State Drill Competition

by David Volz April 22, 2026

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Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC Wins Awards at State Drill Competition 3

Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC. {David Volz}

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Army JROTC program has earned some significant honors over the past year.

The Eagle battalion won 17 trophies at various drill meets during the spring and four awards at the state drill competition in early April. The cadets were recognized for their work during a special event on April 21.

At the state drill competition at Ridge Community High School in Davenport, the Eagles won second place for male squad unarmed, third place for female platoon unarmed, fifth place for male squad, and fifth place for female squad unarmed.

Ava Selby, a major, led the drill teams and was proud of the cadets’ effort. “We practiced together, and it was a good feeling to win awards,” she said.

Zoe Brookswas a member of the female platoon, unarmed, and was part of groups that won four trophies during the drill competitions. “It takes accountability and dedication to do well in JROTC. I have made a lot of friends in the JROTC,” she said.

Last fall, the female Eagles Raiders program, which includes physically demanding tests, placed second overall at the Florida State JROTC Raider Championships on November 15. Linda Fisli, a captain and leader of the Raiders, said she was proud of the team. “I developed leadership skills and the importance of showing respect to earn the trust and respect of the cadets,” she said.

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The Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC with their trophies. {David Volz}

Sgt. Gary Cornelious, an instructor for the JROTC, said he was very proud of the effort the cadets put in throughout the year and the leadership skills they gained. He believes the Eagles will continue to improve and win awards.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.