Tiyan High AFJROTC drill team places fifth at Far East competition

Tiyan High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) drill team represented Guam at the Department of War Education Activity Far East Drill Meet in South Korea, placing fifth overall among 13 competitors.

According to a release from the Guam Department of Education, the Tiyan AFJROTC cadets also earned second place in the Armed Duo Exhibition Division. The competition was held Oct. 23-24 at Camp Humphreys.

“We went through a lot of challenges, learning new routines, competing in divisions we've never competed in before, but because of the dedication and determination of our team, we were able to power through,” Group Commander and Unarmed Drill Team Leader Cadet Maj. Lucia Lowe said.

The 11 cadets challenged themselves by debuting all-new armed and unarmed exhibition routines. GDOE said Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Ayden Burce and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Gabriel Guinto earned second place in Armed Duo Exhibition and received commemorative drill competition coins.

“I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to compete at that level, and I'm proud of our team for showing up,” Lowe said.

The Tiyan High AFJROTC drill team also faced challenges beyond its control during preparations for the competition.

“We made use of the time we had, even with our limited equipment and the typhoon disrupting our preparation before the trip. We are truly grateful to have had a place to practice despite these challenges. All these struggles make bringing home this achievement even more meaningful,” Guinto said. “This achievement means even more considering everything we overcame.”

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