The summer is the traditional time for students to take time off and relax from the rigors of the school year. The cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) are spending part of their time away from the classroom supporting the Michigan City/LaPorte County community. During June, the cadets participated in three events: the Michigan City KiIddie Parade, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Michigan City Summer Festival Parade. Besides the community service, the cadets have already participated in two week-long camps. One was a Leadership Camp in Wisconsin, the other a Cyber Security Camp at Purdue Northwest-Hammond. Both camps, like all MCJROTC activities, are done at no cost to either the cadet or MCHS. The drill team is also conducting summer drill in anticipation of the upcoming military drill season. MCHS qualified for the National MCJROTC Meet last year, placing first in one of the events. Their goal is to not only qualify this year, but to win and become the National MCJROTC Champion. This year’s competition is in the Washington, DC area. The biggest community service project in which the cadets will be involved is the Michigan City Area Schools’ Back-To-School Rally. Local vendors donate school supplies for over 1000 students. The cadets help with the two day preparation for the Rally, then the set-up, functioning of the Rally, and the clean-up afterwards. The Rally is on August 9th at the Elston Football Field.