Members of the Round Rock High School Marine Corps JROTC were recognized Aug. 14 by Mayor Craig Morgan with a Mayor’s Special Recognition Award for earning a historic national title at the 2025 JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB).
The competition began in November 2024 with more than 3,500 JROTC programs across all service branches nationwide. Following the second round in February 2025, only the top schools advanced to the National Championship in Washington, D.C.
“It gives me immense pride to bring a National Championship to our city and program,” said sophomore Ishaan C. “When it mattered most, every one of us held our own. It’s not easy to spend your summer studying while your friends are at the pool, but our practices during the school year and over the summer paid off.”
Round Rock High School was one of just eight Marine Corps JROTC programs selected to attend, joining 32 Army, 16 Air Force, 16 Navy, and two Coast Guard units. The team took first place within its branch before competing against champions from the other services, ultimately winning the overall National Championship.
Junior Niveda S. said the win left them in disbelief.
“We went in thinking winning was a long shot, which made us bold. When we realized we had the lead, we stayed focused, and in the end, we won!”
The victory marks the first time a Marine Corps JROTC program has claimed the national title and is also the first win of its kind for Round Rock ISD.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Olmeda Jr., USMC (Ret.), the team’s Marine Corps JROTC instructor, said he is proud of the cadets’ hard work.
“Whether they were preparing for competitions, solving complex problems, or supporting each other through tough moments, everyone brought their best to the table,” Olmeda said. “Their teamwork, mutual respect, and shared drive for excellence made them stronger together, and I’m grateful to be part of such an inspiring group of cadets who can now claim the title of National Champions.”