Saipan Southern High School – JROTC Attends Manta Ray Battalion Drill Competition

Writer – C/CPT Villaluz, Shanna

Photographer – C/2LT Malabanan, Brit & Tangi, Therence

On February 28, 2025, The Manta Ray Battalion participated in the annual Inter-Island Drill Competition with an Unarmed and Armed Team. Cadets awoke early in the morning and prepared for their competition. The competition started at 9:00 AM and ended at 11:00 PM. The events they competed in were Inspection, Regulation, Color Guard, and Exhibition. The cadets outstandingly performed and gave it their all. After months of practicing, these hard working cadets won overall for both unarmed and armed teams and will compete in Torrance, California at the West Coast National Golden Bear Competition.

The competition officially started off at 9:00 AM, with events running until 11:00 PM. The events they competed in included Inspection, Regulation, Color Guard, and Exhibition. The cadets executed their routines with synchronization, showcasing the results of months of practice and preparation.

The cadets’ hard work and determination paid off when they were announced as the overall winners in both the Unarmed and Armed Team categories. Their victory was a reflection to the dedication and effort they put into their training over the past months. With the win, the Manta Ray Battalion earned a well-deserved spot in the next stage of the competition which is the National West Coast Golden Bear Competition. Great Job to all the Manta Ray Battalion Drill Team.

“I honestly feel ecstatic with all the hardships and sacrifices the drill team earned this triumph. With all the blood sweat and tears I feel relieved we won this year.I am glad that we won but I know that other schools fought hard and I just want to appreciate all the hard work they have done too. In the end I think it was our dedication that gave us the win.” – C/SSG Tubale, Jerry

“Winning this year’s Drill Inter-Island competition is such a blessing! I feel so happy knowing that all our hard work paid off. This was my first and last time joining drill, and I’m grateful to have been part of this amazing team. We’ve made so many memories together from practices to competitions. I can’t wait to create even more at Golden Bear.

I want to thank God for guiding us every step of the way, giving us the strength and discipline to push through. This journey has been unforgettable, and I’m beyond proud of what we’ve accomplished.” – C/SSG Mariano, Nicole

“Drill has always been an interest of mine and was one of the reasons I came to SSHS. So being able to be a part of the Drill Team and compete this year felt so satisfying.” – C/2LT Tenorio, Christian