By Eric Erickson, Social studies teacher
Como Park High School, in conjunction with the St. Paul Public Schools and funding from the federal government, initiated the Marine Corps JROTC program 28 years ago. Since 1995, thousands of Como students have chosen to participate as committed cadets who work for the betterment of themselves and their community.
Como’s current crop of JROTC cadets is building on the foundation established through decades and reaching new heights. For 2023, Como achieved the distinction of being the top-ranked program in Region 4 of the Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA).
The MCRA “Eagle Globe and Anchor Award” for Outstanding Unit was announced and celebrated by past and current cadets on Nov. 10 at the Marine’s Birthday Ball at Herbie’s on the Park in downtown St. Paul.
To provide perspective, Region 4 of the MCRA spans 20 states and includes over 60 other Marine Corps JROTC programs. To be recognized as the Outstanding Unit? “It is very difficult to achieve,” said Sgt. Major James C. Kirkland.
Como has been close before with consistently high rankings. But the continued commitment to expand their community service, achieve academic success, and excel in local and national competitions brought the group to the top spot for the first time in school history.
English students see U.S. Poet Laureate
Suzanne Myhre’s College in the Schools (CIS) Introduction to Literature classes visited the University of Minnesota on Nov. 8 for a presentation by the current U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón.
Students have been reading and discussing Limón’s poetry in class. The opportunity to hear her in person and gain insight about her writings was unique and influential.
Robotics Fundraiser at Urban Growler
Supporters of Como are encouraged to mark their calendars for Saturday, Jan. 13 when there will be a fun event at the Urban Growler Brewing Company. From 2-6 p.m. there will be raffle items, a silent auction, two live bands and a great time.
Tickets are $20 with proceeds going to support the Cougar Robotics program. Participation in robotics at Como is high with 40 students involved this year.
Lueck returns to state swim meet
Cougar sophomore Aleia Lueck qualified for her second consecutive Minnesota state swim meet. This time, she made it in two events – the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke.
At the Section 4A Meet on Nov. 10, Lueck took third place in the 100 back (top three finishers advance to state) and she became the section champion in the 50 free. Through vigorous training, she lowered her time in both events at state on Nov. 17, setting personal records in each race while earning two fourth place medals.
Overall, the girls’ swim team had an extraordinary season evidenced by breaking all but three of the school’s individual and relay records. The second-place team finish in the St. Paul City Conference was the highest since 1990, bolstered by 29 girls in the program.
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