Pride, precision, and teamwork were on full display as Councilmember Augie Tulba visited Waipahu High School to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the "Marauders Own" Army JROTC Drill Team.
During a special ceremony, Councilmember Tulba presented the team with an Honorary Certificate from the council celebrating its outstanding performance at the 2026 National High School Drill Team Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Marauders returned home with multiple national awards, including the program's first-ever National Championship in the Mixed Armed Exhibition Duo, an achievement that reflects years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
The celebration was more than an awards presentation. Cadets proudly demonstrated their nationally recognized drill routines, showcasing the precision, teamwork, and professionalism that earned them a place among the nation's best. Just as inspiring was how teammates cheered for their coaches and one another and celebrated each other's accomplishments.
Councilmember Tulba also had the privilege of witnessing three graduating seniors receive the prestigious Order of the Marauder Award, recognizing their exceptional leadership, commitment, and service throughout their high school careers.
Pride, precision, and teamwork were on full display as Councilmember Augie Tulba visited Waipahu High School to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the "Marauders Own" Army JROTC Drill Team.
During a special ceremony, Councilmember Tulba presented the team with an Honorary Certificate from the council celebrating its outstanding performance at the 2026 National High School Drill Team Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Marauders returned home with multiple national awards, including the program's first-ever National Championship in the Mixed Armed Exhibition Duo, an achievement that reflects years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
The celebration was more than an awards presentation. Cadets proudly demonstrated their nationally recognized drill routines, showcasing the precision, teamwork, and professionalism that earned them a place among the nation's best. Just as inspiring was how teammates cheered for their coaches and one another and celebrated each other's accomplishments.
Councilmember Tulba also had the privilege of witnessing three graduating seniors receive the prestigious Order of the Marauder Award, recognizing their exceptional leadership, commitment, and service throughout their high school careers.
The strongest moment of the celebration may have been seeing cadets cheer just as loudly for one another, a reminder that the Marauder legacy is built on leadership, camaraderie, and pride in the team. Photo: Josh Koh
"Watching these cadets perform and celebrate one another's success was truly inspiring," Tulba said.
"Their achievements remind us that great things happen when young people work hard, support one another, and never give up on their goals. Waipahu and all of Hawaiʻi are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished."
Councilmember Tulba congratulated the cadets, instructors, families, and supporters whose encouragement helped make this historic season possible, saying their success reflects not only excellence in competition but also the values of leadership, integrity, respect, and service that will guide them long after graduation.
"Watching these cadets perform and celebrate one another's success was truly inspiring," Tulba said.
"Their achievements remind us that great things happen when young people work hard, support one another, and never give up on their goals. Waipahu and all of Hawaiʻi are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished."
Councilmember Tulba congratulated the cadets, instructors, families, and supporters whose encouragement helped make this historic season possible, saying their success reflects not only excellence in competition but also the values of leadership, integrity, respect, and service that will guide them long after graduation.
Behind every synchronized step is hours of repetition, focus, and trust between cadets, the kind of preparation that helped Waipahu compete with the nation’s best. Photo: Josh Koh
Cover Photo:
Waipahu High School’s Army JROTC made program history in Daytona Beach, earning its first national title in the Mixed Armed Exhibition Duo. Photo: Josh Koh
Cover Photo:
Waipahu High School’s Army JROTC made program history in Daytona Beach, earning its first national title in the Mixed Armed Exhibition Duo. Photo: Josh Koh
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