/Cape News




Mariner High takes title as overall district champion

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More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition.
Photos provided by Bryan Williams.

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More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition. Photos provided by Bryan Williams.

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More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition.
Photos provided by Bryan Williams.

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More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition.
Photos provided by Bryan Williams.

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More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition.
Photos provided by Bryan Williams.

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More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition.
Photos provided by Bryan Williams.


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What do discipline, teamwork, friends, and leadership development have in common? Lee County’s JROTC program.

More than 200 JROTC cadets from across the county gathered at Mariner High School Saturday for the 2026 JROTC District Drill Competition.

The largest JROTC program in the world, the School District of Lee County boasts 16 high schools and more than 6,500 cadets enrolled.

Cape Coral High School and Mariner High School had the most competitors, with more than 30 cadets present from each school.

Mariner High School took the title as overall district champion, and earned more than 20 trophies across multiple drill, exhibition, and color guard events.

The annual drill championship allows the most committed cadet leaders and teams to gather, compete in exhibition and precision drills and color guard events. This event was well attended by hundreds of relatives, members of the community, and alumni in support of the students.

“Our cadets plan and lead events like this because that’s how leadership is learned,” said Senior Army Instructor Bryan Williams. “In JROTC we teach leadership in the classroom, but activities like drill allow cadets to apply those lessons in real-world situations where teamwork, discipline and attention to detail truly matter.”

The event was mostly organized and carried out by cadets, a common trademark of JROTC and the model that exemplifies leading by doing. Throughout the day, cadets were able to compete in various drill categories which challenged them in areas like precision, discipline, and their ability to perform synchronized movements as a team.

The event was led off by opening remarks from Jakobe Changasie, Mariner JROTC Brigade Commander, who introduced the Mariner JROTC Color Guard. The guard presented the colors while the national anthem played.

“This is much more than marching,” Williams said. “Drill teaches accountability, trust in your teammates, and the importance of preparation. Those lessons carry far beyond the parade field.”

Mariner drill alumni, Tenille Perez, a former brigade commander and state champion color guard commander, found her way back to Cape Coral to watch the competition and shared her thoughts on the event.

“Coming back to Mariner and Lee County to watch these incredible young leaders compete brought back so many memories,” said Perez. “Drill is about doing everything together at exactly the same moment. It’s the ultimate expression of teamwork. When a unit develops a culture of excellence, you can feel it on the parade field.”

Another former Mariner graduate, former brigade commander and state champion Adrielle Costa, said the lessons learned remained with her long after graduation had come and gone.

“Drill taught me the value of hard work and consistency,” she said. “Watching these cadets today reminded me that success comes from showing up every day and putting in the effort. In many ways, it felt like I was watching the continuation of something we helped build.”

The JROTC community has built strong partnerships with local businesses, and some of those local food vendors were present to offer support for cadets and families and provide meals during the event.

Mission BBQ, known for its support of active-duty military, first responders, and veterans, was on the premises serving lunch throughout the event. Bug-A-Lemon, a local lemonade operation created by a Cape Coral 12-year-old, was available to craft unique lemonade drinks. Cola Icee was available to offer shaved ice and is operated by a former Mariner JROTC parent team.

Editor’s note: This report includes information provided by Bryan Williams, senior army instructor, who also provided the photos.