About 250 students from 14 different schools will compete in the Big Orange Classic Drill and Rifle Competition at Heritage High School on Saturday.
- What: Big Orange Classic Drill and Rifle Competition
- Where: Heritage High School
- When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
- More information: (434) 582-1147, ext. 224
The annual event has been held for more than 20 years and serves to showcase student Jr. ROTC groups from North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.
At the end of the drill and marksmanship competition, judges will award $1,000 worth of trophies, said Major Jeff Ranowsky, Heritage High School Jr. ROTC instructor.
The Big Orange Classic at Heritage also doubles as the American Legion Western Region Championship, Ranowsky said.
“It’s kind of the highlight of their (students’) year,” he said.
Heritage has won that championship for the past eight years. Region champions go on to the state American Legion Military Drill Championship in Norfolk.
Ranowsky said the public is welcome to view the competition for free, but donations are appreciated. He also noted Heritage puts plenty of work into hosting the event, which will take place in the school’s field house and cafeteria beginning at 9 a.m.
“We actually start the day after the competition the year before to schedule things,” he said.
Ranowsky said students are excited for Saturday’s competition and he believes it will be a chance to see the area’s best and brightest show off their commitment to a strong work ethic.
“They are learning leadership. They are learning self-discipline. They are learning to take pride in their personal appearance,” Ranowsky said of the participating students. “They are learning dedication and hard work.”
He said those who come out to watch the competition will be inspired.
“If you want to see some youngsters who will rebuild your faith in the youth of today, the group of kids represented here will do it,” Ranowsky said.
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