By: Erin Smith
The West Bladen High School JROTC was the recipient of a $500 check from the Military Officers Association of America on Wednesday morning.
“It’s good,” said West Bladen High School Principal Wesley Floyd of the donation.
Col. Ballard said the JROTC has some costs and support items associated with their upcoming 5K run and the donation would assist with those expenses.
“It is the second time they have donated to the unit,” said Col. Ballard.
Floyd said that the donation validates all of the good things that are happening with the schools ROTC program.
Col. Ballard said that the 5 K run is to celebrate 100th birthday of ROTC and will take place at the school on Saturday, April 23. Festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the official start time of the race will be 11 a.m.
Col. Ballard said that five schools will participate in the event. They include East Bladen High School, Union High School, St. Pauls, West Bladen and Clinton High School.
In addition to the 5K there will also be a freestyle dance contest.
“We wanted to get the schools together for a friendly competition,” said Col. Ballard.
He also said that organizers are trying to get the NC Highway Patrol, police departments and fire departments to also come out and set up displays. There will be food and beverages available as well.
Col. Ballard said the funds will go towards supporting this event.
“This a big fundraiser for the ROTC organization,” said Col. Ballard.
He said that last year the 5K was held for the very first time using the West Fit Trail that has been developed on the campus. That trail was a community service project for the school. He added the community can use the trail and it measures about 1.1 miles. Col. Ballard said that the community can coordinate use of the trail through Principal Wesley Floyd.
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