NC High School JROTC Wins 4th Straight National Title

While most high schoolers are sleeping in during summer break, the West Caldwell High School JROTC unit in Lenoir, North Carolina, is drilling three to four days a week. That dedication just earned them their fourth straight win at The American Legion's National JROTC Color Guard Contest in Louisville, Kentucky.

The team competed against 13 other JROTC units from across the country on August 28, 2026. They scored 106.25 points, narrowly edging out Fern Creek High School from Louisville by just a quarter point.

Coach Wayne Mihelich, a retired Navy command sergeant major, has been guiding these students to victory year after year. He admits that each season brings new challenges, with one or two fresh faces joining the team and veterans worrying they might not make it back to nationals.

"They've realized that you can do anything in the world you want as long as you're willing to put everything into it," Mihelich said. His assistant coach Dorian Phasoulas praised the students for showing up consistently, holding each other accountable, and "forcing their way into championships."

The team's success didn't stop at the JROTC competition. Earlier that same day, these students represented Sons of The American Legion Squadron 29 in the open category National Color Guard Contest and won their third consecutive championship there too.

The Ripple Effect

For Mihelich, coaching JROTC students has become more meaningful than his 31 years of naval service. He's not just teaching drill movements; he's showing young people they can achieve whatever they set their minds to with commitment and hard work.

American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley celebrated all 14 competing teams, telling them they represented their schools with honor. "I am confident that our future is in great hands with the youth I see today," he said.

These students chose discipline over sleeping in, teamwork over solo summer activities, and excellence over excuses.