Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School – Alaska Goes to Daytona

Anchorage’s JROTC Team Crowned National Champions

The Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School (BDEAHS) JROTC Drill Team has earned the Division 3-Armed Regulation Championship at the High School National Drill Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Years of state-level podium finishes and technical mastery through Drill Dynamics mini camps paved the way. Led by experts like Matt Wendling, cadets trained to meet elite national standards.

Cadet Commander Andrew Watts earned Runner-Up for the Armed Regulation Commander’s Judges’ Choice Award, while Cadet Mark Chester Cabutotan led the Color Guard to a Runner-Up finish in their national debut. This marks a historic first for BDEAHS in drill competition.

The Team Identity: Territorial Cadet Guard of Alaska

The team name was officially adopted with support from the Alaska Army National Guard, honoring the legacy of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG). From 2022–2024, the team posted top finishes in the Rocky Mountain Western Classic Invitational and Golden Bear West Coast Nationals.

Cadets & Community Step Up

Fundraising was a collective effort. Cadets generated travel funds through events and activities, while community sponsors and military nonprofits helped elevate the trip into a transformational experience. Support from the AKNG and Cadet Command sealed the mission’s success.