Howell High School Air Force JROTC Raiders, Cadet Challenge, and Archery Team Bring Home Big Wins!
This season, the Howell Air Force JROTC program showed exactly what hard work, teamwork, and dedication can accomplish. Across three major events, the Raiders competition, the Cadet Challenge, and the Eastern National Archery Championships, cadets pushed themselves to new limits, brought home awards, and made their school proud.
Raiders Make School History
The Raiders team faced one of their toughest challenges yet, competing in events like the rope bridge, the mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and a wall climb, all while covered in mud and soaked from the weather. Even with the tough conditions, they stayed strong and supported each other through it all.
The team earned first place in both the mile run and the push-up/sit-up events, and placed third overall, the highest finish ever for Howell AFJROTC in this competition.
“The whole team tried their best, some even working themselves to tears,” said Cadet Lana Eberhart. “We set a new Howell record with our rope time and successfully got both teams over the wall, which wasn’t something many teams could do.”
The experience brought the team closer together and proved what’s possible with focus and teamwork
Cadet Challenge Builds Strength and Confidence
The Cadet Challenge tested individual fitness through events like sit-ups, pull-ups or the flexed-arm hang, a shuttle run, the mile, and a flexibility test. Despite nerves going into the mile, especially after a tough Raiders run—cadets stayed positive and pushed forward.
Cadet Isabella Giampaola described it as a moment she won’t forget: “I was so nervous for the mile because of what happened at Raiders, but I ended up getting a personal record of 7:43. Every time I had to take my inhaler before running, the whole team made sure I was okay and cheered me on. We were such a good team.”
The team’s efforts earned them second place overall, and they’re now planning to host their own Cadet Challenge at Highlander Way, giving even more cadets a chance to grow.
Archery Team Hits National Ranks
At the Eastern National Archery Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, Highlander Way’s AFJROTC archers competed in both bullseye and 3D events, and brought home major wins.
The AFJROTC team placed 7th out of 34 teams in bullseye and an impressive 2nd out of 13 teams in 3D archery. Individually, Cadet Jordyn Kratz placed 2nd overall in 3D with a score of 282 and 16 perfect tens. Cadets Tanner Mayer and Tristan Stuart also placed in the top 10.
“The pressure was real, but we stayed steady,” said Cadet Kratz. “It was really fun, and it felt great to see our training pay off.”
The cadets practiced multiple times a week with support from certified coaches. Their season also included strong finishes at the Michigan State Championships, where they placed second in both bullseye and 3D tournaments.
But archery meant more than just scores and rankings. It also helped build valuable life and leadership skills.
“Archery taught us patience, focus, and how to lead and support one another,” said Cadet Maggie Gyokeres. “It’s not just about hitting the target, it’s about being part of a team that pushes each other to grow.”
Whether running through mud, setting personal records, or hitting bullseyes, Highlander Way’s cadets showed courage, strength, and what it means to never give up! Their accomplishments are more than just trophies, they’re proof of leadership, friendship, and perseverance.
This season, the Howell Air Force JROTC program showed exactly what hard work, teamwork, and dedication can accomplish. Across three major events, the Raiders competition, the Cadet Challenge, and the Eastern National Archery Championships, cadets pushed themselves to new limits, brought home awards, and made their school proud.
Raiders Make School History
The Raiders team faced one of their toughest challenges yet, competing in events like the rope bridge, the mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and a wall climb, all while covered in mud and soaked from the weather. Even with the tough conditions, they stayed strong and supported each other through it all.
The team earned first place in both the mile run and the push-up/sit-up events, and placed third overall, the highest finish ever for Howell AFJROTC in this competition.
“The whole team tried their best, some even working themselves to tears,” said Cadet Lana Eberhart. “We set a new Howell record with our rope time and successfully got both teams over the wall, which wasn’t something many teams could do.”
The experience brought the team closer together and proved what’s possible with focus and teamwork
Cadet Challenge Builds Strength and Confidence
The Cadet Challenge tested individual fitness through events like sit-ups, pull-ups or the flexed-arm hang, a shuttle run, the mile, and a flexibility test. Despite nerves going into the mile, especially after a tough Raiders run—cadets stayed positive and pushed forward.
Cadet Isabella Giampaola described it as a moment she won’t forget: “I was so nervous for the mile because of what happened at Raiders, but I ended up getting a personal record of 7:43. Every time I had to take my inhaler before running, the whole team made sure I was okay and cheered me on. We were such a good team.”
The team’s efforts earned them second place overall, and they’re now planning to host their own Cadet Challenge at Highlander Way, giving even more cadets a chance to grow.
Archery Team Hits National Ranks
At the Eastern National Archery Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, Highlander Way’s AFJROTC archers competed in both bullseye and 3D events, and brought home major wins.
The AFJROTC team placed 7th out of 34 teams in bullseye and an impressive 2nd out of 13 teams in 3D archery. Individually, Cadet Jordyn Kratz placed 2nd overall in 3D with a score of 282 and 16 perfect tens. Cadets Tanner Mayer and Tristan Stuart also placed in the top 10.
“The pressure was real, but we stayed steady,” said Cadet Kratz. “It was really fun, and it felt great to see our training pay off.”
The cadets practiced multiple times a week with support from certified coaches. Their season also included strong finishes at the Michigan State Championships, where they placed second in both bullseye and 3D tournaments.
But archery meant more than just scores and rankings. It also helped build valuable life and leadership skills.
“Archery taught us patience, focus, and how to lead and support one another,” said Cadet Maggie Gyokeres. “It’s not just about hitting the target, it’s about being part of a team that pushes each other to grow.”
Whether running through mud, setting personal records, or hitting bullseyes, Highlander Way’s cadets showed courage, strength, and what it means to never give up! Their accomplishments are more than just trophies, they’re proof of leadership, friendship, and perseverance.