Centennial team knows the drill

Emily Richmond

Monday, May 8, 2006 | 7:24 a.m.

In less than five years Centennial High School has built its Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps into a force to be reckoned with.

For the first time, Centennial won overall 1st place in the Clark County School District JROTC Drill meet at Cashman Field, besting 14 other corps. It was the closest district JROTC championships in 20 years; most schools finished in the top three in at least one of the events.

"These are exceptional young men and young women," said retired Capt. Edward Hardeman, senior naval science instructor for Centennial's NJROTC program. "These cadets practice weekdays, weekends, holidays and at night to strive to attain their goal of excellence."

Centennial also represented Clark County and the state at the national NJROTC meet in Pensacola, Fla., with cadets competing in academic, drill and physical fitness trials. Centennial finished second in color guard and field events.

Anthony Jacovino scored third among 960 cadets on the academic test, the highest finish ever posted by a Centennial student at the event. Christina Dania completed 308 sit-ups, enough for second place. And for the second time in three years, Centennial was awarded for best exemplifying team spirit and sportsmanship.

More than 122,000 parents, students and staff responded to a district survey on school start times, even though the results won't be considered by the School Board until 2007.

At least half of each of the surveyed groups said the current start time for high schools - around 7 a.m. - was appropriate. Support for the middle and elementary school start times - 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively - was also high, ranging from 70 to 87 percent. More than 60 percent of 19,753 parent surveys favored moving to 30 minutes later at all three school levels.

The School Board voted this spring to shelve plans to change start times, a proposal aimed at giving high schoolers extra time to snooze. Research has shown the sleep cycles of teens are unique and that they often show up drowsy for early classes.

A long-term study of start times is proceeding, with a consultant studying the district's bus operations. Schools might be able to start later by rearranging bus routes.

The district's School Names Committee will hold its first meeting of the year at 6 tonight at the Greer Education Center, 2832 E. Flamingo Road. Three appointed members - one parent, one district employee and one community representative - serve on the committee with three of the School Board trustees. The upcoming calendar for the selection process will be set at the meeting. To submit a name for consideration, call 799-8710 ext. 229.