On September 21, the Ripon Highschool JROTC attended their first ever drone competition in Weston Ranch High School. All their training paid off, securing both attending teams in the competition in astonishing places. Team 1 placed 2nd and Team 2 got 1st place!

 Team 1 consisted of senior, Pranav Kaldini as the pilot, junior, Preston Farley as his copilot, and senior, Aron DeBrito as his spotter. 

Although they performed awesomely they did have some worries going to the match.

 “I was feeling uncertain because we haven’t gone to a drone competition before and it was a really new experience.”, Kaldini said “I was especially thinking about the stress and competition since those are variables.” 

Team 2 consisted of junior, Luis Garcia as the pilot, sophomore, Fabrizzio Cortes as his copilot, and senior, Ella Parsons as his spotter.

Achieving first place is a hard fought accomplishment that takes teamwork. 

When asked about teamwork Garcia said, “ I think I learned a lot of skills from the competition. I especially grew closer to my team.  ” 

Although some of these students are new to flying drones,these results coming from their first ever competition are amazing. It is certain that the JROTC Drone program has a bright future ahead for the upcoming drone competitions.