RADCLIFFE, Ky. — Step by step, Junior ROTC members are practicing their skills, on display here at North Hardin High School this weekend, as the 15th Annual Paul C. Gray Invitational takes place.

It’s one of the largest competitions in the nation for these students. Over 13,000 cadets made the trip to the commonwealth for the chance to show what they’ve learned through their training.

Maranda Calloway, a military personnel based in Fort Benning, Ga., served as one of the competition’s judges. She is making sure these high school students are being held to a high standard — an important part of Junior ROTC. 

“It already establishes their discipline before they get to basic combat training. They already know their do’s and their don’ts. I feel like it better prepares them for their goals,” Calloway said. 

In addition to regulation drills, the students are competing in air rifle marksmanship, robotics, drone racing, archery and academics.

The students from the 45 schools that are represented here today are able to network with the other cadets, and talk to colleges about their ROTC programs.

“There’s an excellent amount of opportunity for them here to expand their knowledge,” John Gavin, who works with ROTC, said. 

But in the meantime, it seems the competitors are focused on the task at hand — honing their skills, which can give them a head start when they join the military.

“It gives them an advancement over their peers, but it also helps them to become more aware and regulated of what their ultimate goals are,” Calloway said.