Cadets from the McKinney High School Marine Corps JROTC program spent a week in June at Summer Leadership Camp in Azle, Texas, where they trained and were housed with U.S. Marines as they took on activities and competition designed to build leadership, teamwork, accountability and physical fitness. (Photo courtesy of McKinney High School)

McKinney, Texas – For five days in June, 18 cadets of the McKinney High School Marine Corps JROTC program left behind the comforts of home and the leisure of summer to join U.S. Marines and more than 100 other cadets from seven area schools at the annual Summer Leadership Camp in Azle, Texas. While there, the cadets from McKinney made their mark, winning top honors throughout the week.

“This year the theme of the camp was designed to identify the school whose cadets epitomized the best in leadership, teamwork, accountability and physical fitness,” said U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ron McPhatter (Ret.), who leads the MCJROTC program at McKinney High School alongside Gunnery Sgt. Gary Porter, Jr. (Ret.).

“Cadets from seven schools were separated from their electronic devices, friends and families for five days,” said McPhatter. “This particular camp tested every cadet’s resolve both mentally and physically as they trained and were housed with U.S. Marines 24 hours a day.”

The cadets from MHS faced their fears during activities such as the High Ropes Course and then faced their counterparts from other schools during camp competitions, winning 1st place in five of eight events and claiming the camp 1st Place trophy. In the battle for top cadet honors, Christopher Coleman and Julianna Baar from MHS won the Overall Best Male and Female Cadet awards. McPhatter added that MHS Cadet Caroline Joyce received noteworthy praise from every instructor and Marine in attendance.

“Overall, McKinney cadets represented themselves and their program with the utmost in fortitude and camaraderie,” said McPhatter.

McKinney High School Marine Corps JROTC Cadets — Summer Leadership Camp 2022
Julianna Baar (Awarded Overall Top Female Cadet Honor)
Paul Bachman III
Kyle Caballero
Campbell Chase
Christopher Coleman (Awarded Overall Top Male Cadet Honor)
Karina De Los Santos
Caden Ganter (not pictured)
Abigail Padron Garcia
Caroline Joyce
Matthew Kemp
Cameron Mitchell
Jennifer Vasquez Moran
Jackson Nill (not pictured)
Leslie Fivela Nolasco
Scott Perez (not pictured)
Charles Prindiville
Ella Streber (not pictured)
Colin Thorn

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