NJROTC Represents Colton in Competition on George Washington's Birthday

President George Washington's principles of leadership, service, civic virtue and modesty were celebrated at the 32nd Massing of the Colors and Salute to our Armed Troops event held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills-Liberty Hall. The event, held to celebrate Washington's birthday, was hosted by the Sons of Liberty (SOL), a branch of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), a non-profit organization established in 1909 to perpetuate the ideals of the American Revolution. Colton High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) teacher, LCDR Brunkhorst said, "The Cadets of the Colton High School NJROTC are always anxious to get out in public and show off their skills. They like not only to publicly represent Colton High School, but also to compete against other units from other high schools. The Sons of Liberty event was especially rewarding because there were over 40 color guard teams from all around the state, representing all branches of service." SAR color guard medals were awarded to outstanding cadets in each participating unit. "Many were convinced that our team was the sharpest out there," said Kristine Zamora, of the Colton High School Parent Booster Club and mother of NJROTC Cadet Chief Petty Officer Mathieu Zamora. Cadet Lieutenant Commander Gerardo Vargas, who has been involved in the NJROTC program since he was a freshman shared how excited he was to have competed in this event. "I have been fortunate enough to do and learn so much. This program has strengthened my discipline and leadership skills, as well as my decision making skills," Vargas said. Vargas will graduate high school this June, and will go to one of five schools that he has been accepted to, which he says, is all thanks to what he has learned in the Colton NJROTC program.