One year after being formed, the Panther Battalion is already bringing home awards.
The cadets in the Knox Central / Lynn Camp JROTC program competed at the Raider Challenge in Harlan on November 12, competing and receiving trophies for each event they participated in.
The cadets placed 2nd in the Tug-a-war, 2nd in the Mystery Event consisting of running, stretcher carry, and mental thinking after being pushed to exhaustion, 2nd in the Raider Fitness Challenge consisting of a run and obstacle course, and 3rd in the Raider Challenge Rope Bridge.
The cadets competed with JROTC students from Whitley County, Corbin, Middlesboro, and Thomas Walker high schools.
Command Sergeant Major, and JROTC instructor, Keith Hembree is very proud of the accomplishments of the young cadets.
“Our Cadets did an outstanding job, in their first real challenge since becoming a program,” said Hembree.
Hembree stated that the other competing high schools have had JROTCs established for several years.
“With just a little more practice, they could well be the powerhouse of JROTCs in this region,” said Hembree.
The Panther Battalion will compete again on January 28 at Thomas Walker High School and February 18 at Corbin High School.
The Panther Battalion is making plans on hosting its first challenge later this spring.
Knox Central and Lynn Camp students who are interested in joining the Panther Battalion may contact the guidance counselor at their school.