Goodbye Litter 3/14/16
On March 14th we had our annual Goodbye Litter event where we had 10 eccentric cadets help clean the grounds around the school. We split the cadets into two groups to tackle each side of the school. We picked up about 4 trash bags full of garbage, and had fun doing it too. All the cadets had a great time talking to their pals while helping the school look better. “The event went Awesome.”
2nd Tri Oath Ceremony 1/7/15
On January 7, 2015 seven first year cadets were inducted into the MI-861 AFJROTC program. After the ceremony all cadets chatted and had a good time, eating cookies and donuts and drinking orange juice, apple juice and Hawaiian punch.
8th Grade Orientation 02/8/16
On February 8th, 2016 Cadets from AFJROTC participated in the orientation for 8th graders by passing out scheduling handbooks to students and parents. It was an information night for families about scheduling classes for freshman year and what is required for graduation. Cadets ushered while other Cadets did recruiting. There was a good turnout of people that came to find out info about classes and electives. It was an exciting event. We helped families get to where they're going and many of us can’t wait to do it again next year. “Orientation went really well and a lot of students put down their name for future ROTC cadets. It is a great recruiting process.” -Cadet Bramigk.
Lock-in 12/11/15
On December 11, 2015 we held a lock in at our Garden City High School and Cambridge High School. There were a plethora of events for cadets to participate in throughout the night including swimming, party games, dancing, knockout, dodge ball, and ultimate Frisbee. Our cadets and the Cadre’s son had the chance to pie our senior staff in the face too! We also held mock elections and had fun voting for people in the categories such as Banana Peel(Clumsy). Food was provided like pizza, popcorn, candy, and chips.
Winter Pep Assembly
To show our pride to America and Garden City High School, as well as recognize those that serve, the Color guard gave their salute by presenting colors at our annual winter sports assembly in December. The crowd roared with patriotic spirit after the choir sang the national anthem. Later in the pep assembly, the AFJROTC drill team showed off their skills by doing an amazing exhibition routine that consisted of twirls, spins, tosses, and perfectly choreographed movements that left the crowd stunned. Everyone who attended wishes to see it again and we most definitely look forward to performing again at our next assembly.
Holiday Chorus Concert 12/17/15
On December 17th, 2015 Cadets from AFJROTC volunteered to usher for the Choir’s annual holiday concert. Their goal was to hold the door open for guests, but they also passed out programs, and made sure that everyone paid their ticket to see the great show. Cadets helped give directions and answers to anyone who had a question. Afterwards, the cadets were allowed to enjoy a fantastic performance by our high school’s choir for free, as thanks for their work!
Senior Towers Christmas Party 12/7/15
On Monday, December 7, 2015 Cadets from AFJROTC hosted the annual Senior Towers Christmas Party. The group went to the Senior Towers on Middle Belt to socialize with the elderly. Students brought snacks such as cookies, crackers, chips, etc. There were interesting stories told by seniors. We sang Christmas songs and they received Christmas cards made by the cadets in AFJROTC. The next holiday event that cadets are involved in is the Choir’s Holiday Concert on December 16.
Santa Land Parade 11/28/15
The Garden City school district hosted an annual parade on November 28th, 2015. To represent our school and AFJROTC, cadets marched in a Flight down Middle Belt to Ford road in recognition to our program. Commanded by Cadet Green and Ibanez, the Flight was led behind the Color Guard. Various groups participated in it and was claimed to be longest parade in its history. There was great participation from the cadets and we even enjoyed Jodie’s, cadences, hot chocolate, and donuts
Cougar Care Cafe 11/21/15
On November 21st, Cadets from AFJROTC and other community service groups went to Burger East Campus to help pass out Thanksgiving food to those in need. Not only were families given a bag, but they also received a lunch with baked goods and dessert. Some cadets worked in the clothing/boxed and canned goods area to help citizens put their groceries in their vehicles. While others worked in the kitchen to cook the food and set the tables. The event, overall, was a success.
Veterans Day Ceremony
On Veteran’s Day, AFJROTC assisted Garden City High School’s music department in honoring local veterans and their families with the annual Veteran’s Day concert. Cadets Laurendine, Pierpoint, Dunigan and Noel presented the colors as veterans were asked to stand as their branch’s service song or hymn was sung by the Chorus. During the event, Cadet Gage and Green read off names of veterans that couldn’t be there due to distance or were deceased. The concert ended after the Chorus had finished singing songs to honor those who serve us.
Make A Senior Smile 11/7/15
On November 7, eight AFJROTC cadets participated in Make a Senior Smile, an annual event at the Maplewood Center held to rake the yards of senior citizens. The cadets went to one house and raked over 25 bags of leaves! The home owner really appreciated the effort of the cadets and thanked them. After finishing the leaf raking, the cadets enjoyed a pizza lunch and overall everyone had fun and enjoyed helping their community.
Veterans Concert 11/5/15
On November 5th, Garden City Music Director, Mr. Parkinson hosted a concert for all our veterans and first responders. AFJROTC cadets helped greatly in many different ways. Some cadets were ushers that greeted the general public with programs and answered any question the guests may have had. The Color Guard posted colors and stood at present arms for the national anthem. Cadets had the opportunity to be flag bearers for the five branches of the armed forces, (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) as the choir sang their hymns. Later that evening, Cadets Green and Gage named off military personnel (past and present) that either couldn’t make it that evening, were POW, or passed away from age/Combat. Veterans that attended were given the chance to speak on what rank they were, how long they served, and any story they may have had in their past service. The audience even had a chance to sing the songs God Bless America and Let there be Peace on Earth. Overall, the Choir did an outstanding job on the solos and the patriotic songs to the service and America in general. It was a phenomenal turnout and everyone was happy to participate and be a part of recognizing and showing appreciation to those who serve.
Wright Patterson Air Force Base 10/24/15
On Wednesday, October 21st, six cadets left to go to Dayton, Ohio to visit the Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The cadets met up at Churchill High School and joined with their cadets, cadets from both schools mixed well together. When we arrived at the base we were greeted by our tour guide, an Airman who had attended Stevenson H.S and had been stationed there ever since 2012. Our bus tour consisted of a windshield tour of base hangers, headquarters and barracks. We then filled into an auditorium for a presentation; it showed all the bases and job prospects in the Air Force. After the presentation, we went to the stones and dining facility on base, we had dinner and went back to the hotel and met up with the other cadets. We hung out at pool and played games, having lots of fun until curfew at 9:30 and lights out at 10:30. The next day, we went to a really big museum- Wright Patterson AFB Museum ! We split into groups and toured on our own looking at historical planes, rockets and missiles while also trying out lots of hands-on activities and simulators. Soon it was time to say goodbye and head home. All of our cadets had a great time learning and experiencing the Air Force base!
Cougar Care Cafe 10/24/15
On Saturday, October 24th, 12 cadets made their way to the local Henry Ruff Elementary school to help out with the food and clothing bank. While there, our cadets set-up and helped manage the hot lunch that was given out and even volunteered to take bags of cans to the recipient's cars. Overall, the day was a success and everyone is excited for the next Cougar Care Cafe on November 21st!
Anchor Bay Drill Meet 10/17/15
The MI-861 AFJROTC drill team competed to yet another victory on October 17th from 6am-6pm. There were drill teams that came from out-of-state such as Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. Coaches Gonzales, Potter, Hunter, and Noel (who could not attend) trained the advanced and first year teams. Everyone was excited. Because of the size of the school, many of the 1st year cadets looked with awe at the beautiful site of Anchor Bay. Cadets had a chance to see other teams perform too. Our teams did great. We earned 2 first place trophies in Impromptu Armed Standard Commanded by C/Maj. Hill and Armed Exhibition Commanded by C/Cap. Gage. We earned three, 3rd place trophies in the Standard Armed routine and solo that was done and commanded by C/Cap. Gage, and unarmed exhibition which was commanded by C/Maj. Casey. Five Cadets won placements in knock-out including Ibanez, Casey, Frame, Hill, and Schema. Cadet Schema commanded 1st year Armed, Cadet Jamerson commanded 1st year Unarmed, and Cadet Frame commanded 1st year Color Guard. Our next competition is the Midview National Drill Meet on November 7th, 2015.
Book Sale 10/11/15
On October 11 from 1-3 at the Maplewood Community Center, cadets helped organize, stack, and move books through genre categories for parents and adults for a book sale. The main categories for the books were children, nonfiction, fiction, DVDs, and movies. Most of the work was put into organizing and moving stacks of boxes filled with books to each of the tables. As an incentive for the hard work and effort that the cadets put into this event, they each had a chance to take a couple books with them. In general, the group achieved a significant amount of tasks and completed their mission.
GC Park Fun Ride 10/10/15
On October 10th from 9:30 until noon at Garden City Park, Cadets from AFJROTC worked diligently to help adults’ move and setup tables, decorate, and clean up the area. We were given jobs such as putting flowers in jars and cans, putting streamers over the ceiling, and putting pumpkins on tables. We even had a chance to socialize with one another. Overall, there was good attendance from our Corps, the event went smoothly, and many of the tasks and criteria were successfully completed.
Homecoming Parade 10/5/15
On October 5th, AFJROTC was involved in the pep assembly and football game. The Color Guard presented colors for the National Anthem at the both of these events. Cadets marched in formation in the Homecoming parade. Although the team lost 36 to 0, the cadets showed their dedication by staying the entire time at the football game.
Serve-A-Thon 9/26/15
On September 26th, the Key Club held an annual community service event called the serve-a-thon. Sponsored by Kids Against Hunger, this event focused on packaging, bagging, and shipping to kids, families, and countries that are underprivileged. Our goal was to package 10,000 meals with each meal containing 6 servings. AFJROTC Cadets helped fulfill the criteria. ⅓ of the meals go to Africa, the rest stays local and the last of the meals are stored for emergencies or national disasters. Overall, the Serve-A-Thon was a success.
Adopt A Highway 9/15/15
On September 25th, a group of diligent cadets walked down Ford Road from Merriman to Inkster with one goal in mind: To cleanup litter on both sides of the road. In the past, cadets have found a lot of incentives from participating in this event. Due to a major sporting event conflict, there was only one group of cadets. However, they successfully surpassed the constraints and achieved the criteria.
Ice Cream Social 9/14/15
On September 24th, the AFJROTC had an ice cream social. Cadets from all flights, including staff and fellow friends of cadets were invited. People enjoyed some ice cream -which was Neapolitan- with sprinkles and chocolate syrup and had a chance to conversate with one another. In the meantime, cadets also played Ultimate Frisbee. There was a great turnout and everyone had a pleasant time.
Unit Field Day 9/18/15
On September 18th, MI-861 had our own field day; it was interesting to spend the day with mostly everyone in the unit instead of being in class. We played different sports like softball, soccer, ran the mile and the most competitive ultimate Frisbee. Everyone cheered on everyone whether they were in the same flight or not and got the chance to talk to others in the core and have fun. Field day was an amazing chance for our unit to come together and just fun. Overall it was awesome and at the end of the day we were all ready to go home and get some sleep.
Goodbye Litter 9/17/15
On September 17th at 2:30 p.m., Cadets from AFJROTC went around the premises of the school to pick up litter, scraps, and rubbish to help maintain the school’s professional appearance. The Cadets were divided into 2 groups in opposite directions to finish the job quicker. Overall, we successfully achieved the criteria.
Open House 2015
On September 16th, Cadets volunteered to usher for the open house from 6:15-7:30 pm. Their overall goal was to help out parents and students if they had any questions, needed to know where a class is or how their schedule works . The cadets were placed in every hall to ensure that people could find their class during passing time.