​On Saturday, March 31st, 2018, the unarmed drill team and color guard from the FL-802 unit went to State competition held at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Once the team arrived at the university, they got set up to do their performance. The team’s performance consisted of Inspection, regulation, and exhibition. After performing, the team went and interacted with the other teams that were at the competition. The team competed in IDR afterwards and Cadet Mariana Baca placed first. Overall, the color guard placed first in inspection and the drill team earned third for overall commander and for inspection. FL-802 is very proud of our unarmed drill team and color guard for their hard work and dedication. We hope to go to competition again soon and do even better.

​On Friday, March 16th, 2018 and Sunday, March 18th, 2018, the FL-802 unit from West Orange High School volunteered at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The cadets from the unit drove out to Bay Hill early Friday morning, as well as Sunday morning. At the event, the cadets stood at parade rest by the trophies. All in all, the event was extremely successful both days and we hope to have this opportunity again.

​On Saturday, March 10th, 2018, the FL-802 unit took cadets on a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. At the complex, the cadets got to see real shuttles that have gone up into space. They could walk around and learn about how the shuttles were made and what NASA is currently working on for future trips to space. NASA is working on shuttles to get supplies and even people to Mars. The cadets also took a tour of the Saturn V rocket and had the opportunity to learn all about what the rocket did when it was being used. With the students being enrolled in an aerospace science class, this field trip gives students a hands-on experience of what they are learning in the classroom.  Visiting the Space Center was an excellent chance for the students to partake in and we hope that we are able to go on more field trips similar to this one.

​On Friday, March 9th, 2018, the West Orange High detachment hosted their annual field day for the unit. All cadets were invited and encouraged to come. This event included several rigorous activities, including an assault course, tire flipping, marching and IDR, and a three legged race. During this time, cadets were pushed physically and mentally. All of the senior cadets were in charge of organizing the event, and did an extremely great job at doing so. Throughout the time together, the cadets of each flight had to learn how to work together and work efficiently through each area. With everything the flights had to work through, the cadets bonded together to get through each obstacle they had to face, creating a closer-knit group of cadets. In the end, the Echo flight, commanded by Samuel Sloan, won the most spirited and motivated flight, and the Foxtrot flight, commanded by Pedro Barreto, won overall best flight. Field day was a great experience for everyone who participated, and we encourage everyone to join us again in the years to come.

​On Saturday, March 3rd, 2018, the West Orange High School AFJROTC detachment held the 38th annual Air Force Ball for the FL-802 unit at the Wyndham Grand Hotel. All cadets were invited to attend and were allowed to bring one guest. For this formal event, girls had the option of wearing their uniform or an evening dress, and the guys wore their uniform with their service coat. At the event, the cadets were served a delicious dinner, viewed a slideshow including pictures from all of the events held during the year, and, of course, did a lot of dancing. To start off the night, the princes, princesses, king, and queen were crowned for the unit. Luca Hewett and Merial Smith represented the freshmen, Pedro Barreto and Erika Wetmore represented the sophomores, Lucas Wright and Ariel Smith represented the juniors, and Christian Whitney and Erica Marsel represented the seniors as king and queen. After the crowning, dinner was served and the slideshow was presented. For dessert, there was an ice cream bar with several different options for toppings. As people were getting desserts, the court had the first dance of the night, followed by the rest of the unit, who danced the rest of the night away. It was a very successful event and we can’t wait to hold another one next year.