After two challenging online rounds of intense competition against teams from around the globe, Hart County High School’s JROTC Academic Team has secured a prestigious spot in the 2025 U.S. Army JROTC Academic Bowl Championship. Team members Jackson Carter, Esther Chin, Torin McCurley, Kamron Montgomery, and Ethan Stovall will travel to Washington, DC, for the championship, which will take place from June 20-24, 2025, at The Catholic University of America. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Army JROTC and organized by the College Options Foundation.
Top honors
Hart County’s JROTC team, made up of 10th and 11th graders, earned top honors among over 2,000 teams from Army JROTC programs worldwide, placing them in the elite group of the nation’s 32-best JROTC Academic Bowl teams. This achievement guarantees them an all-expense-paid trip to the championship in Washington, DC.
The preliminary rounds of the competition were fast-paced and intense, testing cadets on a wide array of subjects, including core academic disciplines like math, science, and language arts. Additionally, the competition evaluated their knowledge of current events, citizenship, leadership skills, and financial literacy. Financial literacy videos sponsored by the USAA Educational Foundation played a key role in the competition, with questions based on these videos featured in the early rounds.
Attributed to excellent teachers
Lt. Colonel Chris Carter believes the excellence in teaching gave their team the edge. “These students are smart,” Lt. Colonel Carter explained. But our teachers taught them what they needed to compete and compete well.”
The JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl is a nationally recognized event designed specifically for JROTC students. It allows cadets to demonstrate their academic abilities while embracing the values of citizenship and leadership. This competition also opens up valuable opportunities for college exploration, helping cadets consider their academic futures.
The College Options Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports high school students in their academic and college pursuits, has been a key partner in promoting academic growth among JROTC cadets for nearly 20 years. Through competitions, college exam study guides, admissions tutorials, and personalized counseling, the College Options Foundation continues to empower JROTC cadets and help them achieve their educational goals.
The hard work of the students
Hart County High School’s achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of its JROTC team. They will certainly be a team to watch at the national championship in June.
“I am so proud of these young people,” Lt. Colonel Carter said. We will have to cut the team down to 4, which will be tough.” Currently, there are 5 members on the team, but only 4 can compete.
