CELEBRATING THE ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC

On 2026-01-16, Representative John R. Carter (R-TX-31) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment.

CELEBRATING THE ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E49] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC _____ HON. JOHN R. CARTER of texas in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Round Rock High School Marine Corps JROTC Academics Team, who achieved a historic first-place finish at the 2025 JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) National Championship. This marks the first time a Marine Corps JROTC team has captured the overall national title across all service branches, and the first time a team from Round Rock has earned this distinction. JLAB 2025 began in November 2024 with 3,543 JROTC programs from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. After months of rigorous online competition, only the top teams advanced to the national championship at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Though Round Rock initially ranked ninth among Marine Corps programs, just outside the qualifying cutoff, an unexpected opening allowed them to compete. They went on to win the Marine Corps division and then defeat the champions from every other branch to claim the national title. Their victory was the result of months of disciplined preparation, including weekly practices, competition simulations, and intense review of past contest materials. Under the leadership of retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Olmeda, who served 23 years on active duty and is now in his eighth year teaching JROTC, cadets Niveda Swamynathan, Khushal Jalagam, Sylvia Marrone, and Ishaan Chokshi demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and academic excellence. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I congratulate the Round Rock High School Marine Corps JROTC Academics Team, who have made Central Texas proud through their perseverance and groundbreaking achievement. ____________________