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Pieper High Warrior Company named 2024 Navy League Most Improved Unit in the NationSubmitted By Comal ISDT he Pieper High School Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) was awarded the 2024 Navy LeagueMost Improved Unit in the Nation by the Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) on July 10.This national award is quite an honor for the program and school which has been in existence for only three years just recently graduating its first senior class. This is the second year in a row that the program was nominated for this award.“This is quite an accomplishment for these young leaders who are competing against long established programs,” says Major Dave Bower USMC retired, the program’s senior Naval science instructor, who explains that being a NNDCC is a forerunner to becoming a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC).“This award recognizes the incredible work and time spent from each cadet, making the Warrior Company one of the best in the Nation,” he continues. “These leaders have built an incredible legacy; built on selfless service and grit.”This year, the Warrior Company grew to 103 cadets, almost double where it began three years ago. This number includes the addition of eighth-grade students from Pieper Ranch Middle School.Through various competitions, service projects and keynote events, the programcontinues to make headlines even earning an invitation to attend Navy Nationals in Pensacola. Bower has been leading the charge since the beginning. This year, a second instructor Senior Chief Craig Steele, came on board.This national award is one of only two presented annually. In fact, in conjunction with the Navy League, the Commander, NSTC selects two units from across the nation to receive one of two awards for the Best Unit in the Nation and Most Improved in the Nation.Prior to making this selection, one unit per area is nominated for these awards. The Warrior Company at PHS has been nominated to represent its area for two years in a row. The competition among the more than 600 NJROTC programs is tough, and it is quite an achievement to be selected as the best in an area. It is even tougher to be named the national winner.The NNDCC and NJROTC curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development through activities that include community service, academic, athletic, drill and orienteering competitions, field meets, flights, visits to naval bases, marksmanship sports training and physical fitness training. If this past year is any indication, Bower and Steele are offering their cadets all of this and more with service projects at both the campus and community level,Members of the Pieper High School Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) advanced to Navy Nationals this spring.academic achievements, summer training opportunities, keynote events including an annual Bataan Death March Memorial hike, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and more.“The Warrior NNDCC program reaches much farther than the halls of Pieper High School, connecting with the citizens of Bulverde, Spring Branch, New Braunfels, San Antonio and beyond,” Bower says. “We are making a difference in the world around us.” Here’s a sample of the program’s community outreach.• Interacting with residents of the BulverdeAssisted Living Facility, which the Company adopted three years ago.• Sponsoring food drives to support Provisions, a Bulverde-based food pantry.• Assisting the city of San Antonio to provide a Thanksgiving/Christmas meal to the homeless.• Volunteering with Meals on Wheels.• Providing $4,000 in the last three year to find a cure for cancer by supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital.43 Years of Stirring Up Fun At The Medina Lake Cajun FestivalBlanco Road Mulch & Landscaping:It’s That Time Of Year To Mulch Your YardBy Sally Kaloslanco Road Mulch and Landscape Materials, established in 2016, is well-regarded for its high-qualityproducts and customer service. Customers often inquire about the best time to apply mulch, which is beneficial year-round for retaining soil moisture and enhancing the aesthetics of any outdoor space.One surprising aspect for many about Blanco Road Mulch and Landscape Materials is the company’s commitment to excellent customer service, with each customer being highly valued and appreciated.When selecting the best mulch for a yard, it’s important to consider that all types of mulch help retain soil moisture. Cedar mulch is popular for its pleasant aroma and natural insect-repelling properties. Hardwood native mulch benefits the soil by composting over time, thereby feeding the plants when watered. Dyed mulch, available in colors like black, primarily serves decorative purposes while still retaining moisture effectively.BTy Ron Clarkehe Medina Lake Cajun Festivalkeeps on rolling out the goodtimes, bringing the music, food and culture of Louisiana to the Texas Hill Country for fun the whole family can enjoy.Visitors can listen and dance to topnotch Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco music, taste the best homemade Cajun food this side of Louisiana, and sample gumbos in the Great Gumbo Cook-off.The festival is Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm at the LakehillsCommunity Center. Admission is $15, and children 10 and under enter free. There is free parking and shuttle service. For more information visit www.cajunfestival- medinalake.com , call 830-460-0600 or 210- 885-6435 or e-mail bengel@lhcctx.org Press Inquiries: 830-460-0600 or 210-885- 6435 or e-mail bengel@lhcctx.orgWebsite: www.cajunfestival medinalake.com www. facebookmedinalakecajunfestival.com Instagram:MedinaLakeCajunFestivalDonna Hoss, owner, is ready to help find the right mulch for your needs as well as other landscape products.Blanco Road Mulch and Landscape Material offers a variety of products including Landcaping - continued on page 108www.bsbhighlights.comSeptember 2024