On Friday, April 4, 2025, cadets from three high school JROTC programs in Surry County came together at Camp Raven Knob for the third iteration of the annual JROTC County Cup—a day of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition organized by the county’s JROTC instructors.
The County Cup is planned and coordinated each year by the dedicated JROTC instructors from across the district and is proudly hosted at Camp Raven Knob. The winning school keeps the coveted County Cup trophy on display until the following year, when the competition begins again.
The County Cup provides cadets with an opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their schools in a supportive and high-energy environment. The collaboration between schools and the excitement of the day reinforces the core values of the JROTC program: citizenship, service, and personal responsibility.
Cadets from East Surry High School, North Surry High School, and Surry Central High School competed in a series of physically and mentally challenging events, including a 2-mile relay race, rowboat race, orienteering, and archery. Although Elkin High School’s JROTC was unable to compete this year, the event remained a strong display of teamwork and leadership.
At the end of the day, East Surry High School took home the County Cup, with North Surry finishing in second place and Surry Central placing third.
“This annual event is a great opportunity to bring all the county’s JROTC units together to build camaraderie and showcase their skills,” said event organizers. “It’s more than just competition - this is a celebration of leadership, respect, and community.”
The event’s success was made possible thanks to the support of many volunteers, including Army and Marine Corps recruiters, members of the North Carolina Army National Guard, Camp Raven Knob staff, Freedom Designs, and the Surry County Veteran’s Council.
Surry County Schools congratulates East Surry High School on their well-earned victory and extends a special thank you to all who helped make this event a memorable experience for students.