More than 325 students from Batesville, Grenada, Meridian and Ridgeland High Schools – along with schools from 13 states that included Alabama, Kansas, Hawaii, and California – will unite Thursday-Saturday, April 4-6, for the first-ever All-Service JROTC Aerial Drone Championship presented by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation.

The event will be held at the Batesville Civic Center. 

JROTC teams from the US Army, Marine Corps., Air Force, Navy and Space Force teams will be represented. The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program prepares high school students for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens.

Some 64 teams will showcase their drone piloting, programming and communication skills in a heart-racing competition throughout the competition. Students will participate in the most comprehensive and exciting drone sporting event, focusing on hands-on learning.

Teams will learn about drone flight principles and programming, enhancing communication and problem-solving skills. Students will also expand their understanding and build interest in drone-related workforce and career opportunities.