Friday Military Salute: Becoming Ship-shape At Two Widefield District 3 Schools.

BY ERIC SINGER eric.singer@gazette.com -Everything is ship-shape at two Widefield high school Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs that excelled in recent competitions. Mesa Ridge's program won an academic ROTC competition this month, but students like senior Cadet Commander John Lightner said ROTC has taught him life lessons, as well. "I've learned that I need to, as a person, know when to step up or down," Lightner said. Mesa Ridge sophomore Cadet Lieutenant Maya Gruenberg said the Navy JROTC program has helped her have more life balance. "You need to be a well-rounded person," she said.