A strong showing by Manatee County JROTC students at the 2021 Florida JROTC Raider Championship in November.
According to Lt. Col. Philip Pugh, Jr., Palmetto High School's Male Raider Team won the State Championship for the third consecutive year.
Braden River High's Mixed Team (Male & Female) won the 2021 State Championship, as well. Their Mixed Team has won 11 out of the past 13 State Championships.
Lt. Col. Pugh says at least one team from Manatee County wins a State Championship every year, and our District is known across the state for its competitive teams.
Raiders are the high school version of the Army Rangers and the competition is physically demanding.
12-person teams compete in many rigorous physical fitness and military skills events including: building a one rope bridge and crossing all team members, a 700-pound team tire-flip, a 5K team run, a team obstacle course, and a litter-carry rescue run.
In total, more than 70 top JROTC Raiders teams from across Florida participated in the competition, which took place in Lake Wales.