Monarch High JROTC Cadets March to Second Place, Advance to State Competition

by David Volz March 15, 2026

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Monarch JROTC {John Acevedo}

Monarch High School Army JROTC cadets captured second place at the Broward County JROTC District Competition State Qualifier held March 7 at Boyd Anderson.

Composed of seven cadets, the mixed exhibition squad performed a five-minute rifle drill routine of their own creation. Among approximately 20 JROTC units from across Broward, the Knights Battalion stood out. By clinching second place, the mixed squad earned the opportunity to compete in the state competition in Davenport, Florida, on April 11. Leading the squad was Cadet Command Sergeant Major Reece Seeram.

Anamaria Valencia earned fourth place in the female solo exhibition, where an individual performs a pre-set routine using a rifle, according to John Acevedo, senior Army instructor.

The first-year cadets, led by Cadet Corporal Daniel Garcia, participated in a drill competition and placed fourth. However, since the competitors are in their first year, they are not eligible for the state competition, Acevedo explained.

Acevedo praised the cadets, saying, “All the cadets worked very hard on their drill routines, and they practiced three or four times a week. I am proud of them.”

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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.