: Lowell High School, MA-771 Division 2, National Drill Team 5th Place Winners under the command of C/Lt Col Josh Alves perform on the competition floor in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Lowell — Lowell High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC unit (MA-771) made their presence felt on the national stage over April break, traveling to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete in the All-Service Nationals Drill Competition. Competing in Division II, the cadets shined against top programs from across the country.
The Unarmed Team, led by Cadet Lt Col Paola Morel, brought home a 2nd Place trophy in Regulation Drill and a 3rd Place in Inspection—an impressive showing from a field of 21 schools.
The Armed Team, commanded by Cadet Lt Col Joshua Alves, earned 5th Place in Armed Regulation among 20 strong competitors.
Overall, Lowell’s Unarmed Team finished 6th in their division, with the Armed Team taking 12th. The results continue Lowell’s long tradition of excellence, keeping the program visible, competitive, and respected on the national circuit.
The teams’ performance drew special recognition from Colonel Matthew E. Tipton, national director of Air Force JROTC programs. Following the competition, Colonel Tipton personally congratulated the Unarmed Regulation Team.
Colonel Tipton, Director, AFJROTC, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL addresses LHS unarmed drill team cadets. C/1Lt Gabriella Santos, C/SRA Azalea Rodriguez, and C/SRA Ashley Zaruma attend.
“He had heard we were the only school in New England to receive a perfect 100 on our unit evaluation this year,” said Master Sergeant (Ret.) Paul Perez, head coach of the LHS drill program. “He wanted to see what that looked like—and we showed him.”
This outstanding showing by Lowell High School’s nationally recognized drill teams reflects proudly on the City of Lowell, Lowell High School, and the unwavering commitment of the instructors, coaches, and cadets. It also stands as a strong representation of the core values of both Lowell Public Schools and the United States Air Force.
About MA-771 AFJROTC
Established in 1977, MA-771 is one of the longest-standing Air Force JROTC units in New England. The program emphasizes citizenship, leadership, and service to school and community, and is open to all students at Lowell High School.
: Lowell High School, MA-771 Division 2, National Drill Team 2nd Place Winners under the command of C/Lt Col P. Morel perform on the competition floor in Daytona Beach, Florida.
