Oak Harbor High School NJROTC Competes at All-Navy NJROTC Curtis Drill Meet

Oak Harbor High School NJROTC Competes at All-Navy NJROTC Curtis Drill Meet

Seattle, WA — March 1, 2025

The Oak Harbor High School NJROTC unit is set to showcase their discipline, precision, and teamwork at the prestigious All-Navy NJROTC Curtis Drill Meet, hosted today in Seattle, WA. This elite competition brings together top-performing NJROTC units from across the nation, all vying for supremacy in military drill, physical fitness, and leadership challenges.  

The Curtis Drill Meet is one of the most intense and respected competitions on the NJROTC circuit, demanding excellence in categories such as armed and unarmed drill, color guard, exhibition routines, and academic knowledge tests. Each event is designed to test cadets' ability to work as a cohesive unit, maintain strict discipline, and execute flawless maneuvers under pressure.  

Oak Harbor NJROTC, known for their dedication and rigorous training, has been preparing tirelessly for this opportunity to

compete against the best. Their performances in previous competitions have earned them a reputation as a formidable team, and they are eager to prove themselves on this national stage.  

“Our cadets have worked incredibly hard for this moment,” said a senior Oak Harbor NJROTC leader. “This competition is about more than just winning—it’s about demonstrating our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and leadership.”  

The Curtis Drill Meet is not only a test of skill but also an opportunity for cadets to build camaraderie with their peers from other NJROTC programs. The event fosters sportsmanship, respect, and a shared dedication to the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.  

With high-energy performances, precise drill movements, and unwavering focus, Oak Harbor’s NJROTC unit is prepared to make a strong impression. Regardless of the outcome, they have already proven their dedication to excellence.  

The Oak Harbor community stands behind these cadets, cheering them on as they take on this significant challenge. Best of luck to Oak Harbor NJROTC as they compete in the Curtis Drill Meet, proudly representing their school and Navy tradition!

NJRTOC Competition 01 February 2025

Oak Harbor High School NJROTC Competes at Regional Competition

Marysville, WA — The Oak Harbor High School NJROTC unit is gearing up for a highly anticipated showdown at Marysville Pilchuck High School as they participate in a fierce regional Navy Junior ROTC competition. This prestigious event brings together some of the most disciplined and skilled cadets from schools across the region, all vying for top honors in categories that test their physical strength, teamwork, leadership, and military precision.

The competition promises a full day of high-stakes events, including unarmed and armed drill routines, physical fitness challenges, color guard presentations, and academic tests designed to evaluate the cadets’ naval knowledge. Each category is an opportunity for NJROTC units to showcase their rigorous training and teamwork, honed over countless hours of preparation.

Oak Harbor’s NJROTC, led by dedicated instructors and commanding cadet officers, has built a reputation for excellence in regional competitions. Their relentless work ethic and commitment to discipline have made them a formidable presence in events like these.

"This is more than just a competition," said one Oak Harbor NJROTC cadet. "It's a chance to prove how far we've come as a team and show what our unit is made of."

Parents, teachers, and supporters from the Oak Harbor community are expected to rally behind the cadets as they take on the best of the region. The event fosters camaraderie and competitive spirit while providing cadets with valuable experiences in leadership, accountability, and precision.

Marysville Pilchuck High School will host dozens of NJROTC units from across Washington, all bringing their A-game to claim coveted awards. With a reputation for thrilling performances, tight drill formations, and unwavering discipline, spectators can expect an intense and inspiring day.

No matter the final outcome, Oak Harbor High School’s cadets have already demonstrated the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. As they march into the regional competition, they carry with them the pride of their school and community.

Best of luck to Oak Harbor NJROTC as they represent their school with dignity and determination on this competitive stage!

ChatGPT. (2025, February 1). Oak Harbor High School NJROTC competes at regional competition.

New Board Game

 I asked Chat GPT to create a new game based on Catan and Ticket to Ride. This is the concept result:

Here’s a concept for combining *Catan* and *Ticket to Ride* into one cohesive and adventurous board game:

### Game Title: *Catan: Rails & Settlements*

---

### Theme:  

Players are pioneers expanding a new land, building settlements, claiming railway routes, and trading resources to dominate the map. The goal is to become the ultimate builder by combining the strategic depth of resource management with route-building adventure.

---

### Objective:

Be the first player to reach **25 Victory Points** by:

- Building settlements and cities.

- Completing rail routes between key destinations.

- Achieving special objectives (e.g., Longest Railway, Largest Network, or secret goals).

---

### Components:

- **Catan hex board tiles** (fields, forests, mountains, hills, pastures, and deserts).  

- **Ticket to Ride route cards** (short and long destination tickets).  

- Resource cards (*wood, brick, sheep, ore, wheat*).  

- Train cards (colored cards for building routes).  

- Settlements, cities, and train pieces.  

- Development cards with bonuses (new mix of Catan & Ticket to Ride mechanics).  

---

### Set-Up:

1. Assemble a map with Catan hexes for terrain and connect hexes with Ticket to Ride-style train routes.  

2. Place numbers (2-12) on resource-producing hexes like Catan.  

3. Shuffle and distribute destination route cards to each player (pick 2 to keep).  

4. Each player places two settlements and two trains to start the game.  

---

### Gameplay:

Players take turns in clockwise order, performing the following steps:  

1. **Roll for Resources (Catan Style)**:  

   - Roll two dice to determine which hexes produce resources for all players.  

2. **Collect Resources**:  

   - If you have a settlement or city adjacent to the rolled number, collect resources from the hex.

3. **Actions (Choose any combination)**:  

   - **Build a Settlement**: Spend 1 wood, 1 brick, 1 wheat, and 1 sheep. Settlements earn 1 Victory Point.  

   - **Upgrade to a City**: Spend 3 ore and 2 wheat. Cities earn 2 Victory Points.  

   - **Claim a Route**: Spend train cards of matching colors to claim a train route between settlements. Earn points based on the route’s length.  

   - **Complete a Destination Ticket**: Connect your settlements and train routes to the cities listed on your ticket to earn bonus points.  

   - **Trade Resources**: Trade with the bank (4:1 by default) or with other players (negotiated deals).  

4. **Draw Cards**:  

   - Draw resource cards if needed (from hex rolls or trades).  

   - Draw train cards if you plan to build routes in the future.  

---

### Scoring Points:

- **Settlements**: 1 point each.  

- **Cities**: 2 points each.  

- **Routes Completed**: Based on the length of the train route (like Ticket to Ride).  

- **Destination Tickets**: Earn points for successfully connecting cities listed on your tickets; lose points for uncompleted tickets.  

- **Longest Continuous Railway**: 10 bonus points.  

- **Largest Network of Settlements**: 10 bonus points.  

---

### Winning the Game:

The game ends when one player reaches **25 Victory Points**. Finish the current round so all players have an equal number of turns. The player with the most points at the end is declared the winner.  

---

### Special Rules:

- **Robber Train**:  

   If a "7" is rolled, the robber can block a key train route or settlement. Players with more than 7 cards lose half their cards (Catan rule).  

- **Wildcards**:  

   Train cards serve as wildcards for resource trading. For example, 3 matching train cards can substitute for a missing resource.  

- **Development Cards**:  

   Add cards for special powers like double resource collection, free routes, or extra settlement builds.

---

### Why It Works:

- Combines the strategic resource generation and settlement building of *Catan* with the route-building and destination goals of *Ticket to Ride*.  

- Encourages dynamic player interaction through trading, blocking routes, and strategic development.  

- Offers multiple paths to victory, appealing to diverse play styles.  

---

Let me know what you think!

#boardgames #Catan #ticket to ride 

High School Football Wildrats vs Bullfrogs (ficticious)

 In an epic showdown under a cold, light drizzle, the Bullfrogs and the Wildrats faced off in a football game that will go down in high school sports legend. Played on a slick and slippery astroturf, the rain made for treacherous footing, but neither team was willing to back down. The Wildrats emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish, but the Bullfrogs fought fiercely, leaving both teams and fans breathless by the final whistle.

As the game kicked off, it was immediately clear that the weather would be a major factor. The rain, though light, had steadily soaked the astroturf, making every step a potential hazard. Both teams struggled to find their footing in the first quarter. Players from both sides were slipping, sliding, and falling, with even the most basic plays turning into adventures in balance. The Bullfrogs, in their green and brown uniforms, tried to lean into their size advantage, using their hefty linemen to bulldoze through the Wildrats' defense.

But the Wildrats, dressed in their sleek purple and gold uniforms, had a different strategy. Known for their speed and agility, the Wildrats adapted quickly to the slippery conditions, relying on quick passes and nimble footwork to stay ahead of the Bullfrogs. Quarterback Tommy “The Tail” Ratner led the charge, using short, precise passes to cut through the Bullfrogs’ defensive line, while running back Quincy “Quickfeet” Masters danced through puddles and slipped past would-be tacklers.

Despite their struggles with the slick field, the Bullfrogs didn’t back down. Their quarterback, Billy “The Bull” Hops, threw some well-placed long bombs, taking advantage of the Wildrats’ overzealous blitzes. The Bullfrogs managed to punch in a touchdown late in the second quarter, thanks to a powerful drive by fullback “Mighty” Mitch Toadson, barreling through Wildrat defenders as if the rain didn’t affect him at all.

Going into halftime, the score was tied 14-14, and both teams trudged off the field, dripping wet and covered in streaks of mud from the astroturf. The fans, who had braved the weather with umbrellas and ponchos, were loud and energized, cheering for what had already been an unforgettable game.

In the second half, the intensity only grew. The Wildrats adjusted their game plan, sticking to their pass-heavy offense, while the Bullfrogs doubled down on their running game. However, it was the Wildrats' ability to capitalize on the slippery conditions that ultimately gave them the edge. Early in the fourth quarter, Ratner connected with wide receiver Jackson “Jetstream” Rivers on a slant route that saw Rivers slip past two defenders who lost their footing in the rain. Rivers took it 60 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, electrifying the Wildrats' sideline.

The Bullfrogs had a chance to answer with a late drive, but disaster struck when Hops slipped while scrambling on fourth down, losing the ball to the Wildrats' defense. With that, the game was sealed, and the Wildrats walked off the field victorious, winning 28-21 in a thrilling and hard-fought contest.

Though the Wildrats claimed the win, both teams earned respect from their fans, who roared their approval despite the cold rain. The Bullfrogs may have lost, but they showed heart and determination in a game that neither team will soon forget.

DALL-E. (2024). High school football teams: The Bullfrogs and The Wildrats. OpenAI.

Overcoming Sin and Sinful Thoughts

From CHATGPT.

According to the Holy Bible, overcoming sin involves several key principles:

1. **Repentance**: A person must acknowledge their sins and genuinely repent, which means turning away from sinful behavior and seeking forgiveness. Acts 3:19 emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God.

2. **Faith in Jesus Christ**: Belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for sin is central. John 3:16 explains that faith in Jesus grants eternal life and forgiveness of sins.

3. **Transformation through the Holy Spirit**: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transforming a person’s heart and mind, helping them live according to God’s will. Romans 8:13 speaks of the Spirit giving life and helping overcome sinful nature.

4. **Studying and Following Scripture**: The Bible provides guidance and instruction on living a righteous life. Psalm 119:11 highlights the importance of storing God's word in one's heart to avoid sin.

5. **Prayer**: Regular communication with God through prayer is vital for strength and guidance. Jesus taught His followers to pray for deliverance from temptation (Matthew 6:13).

6. **Accountability and Fellowship**: Being part of a Christian community provides support and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to meet together and encourage one another.

These principles are interrelated, and personal growth in overcoming sin is often a gradual process involving continual reliance on God’s grace and guidance. The Bible teaches the importance of controlling and transforming our thoughts. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes, "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Here are key steps the Bible outlines to bring every thought into captivity:

### 1. **Be Mindful of Your Thoughts**

   - **Awareness**: To bring thoughts into captivity, we must first be aware of them. Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. We should actively monitor our thoughts and reject those that are sinful or negative.

   

### 2. **Renew Your Mind**

   - **Transformation**: Romans 12:2 teaches, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This renewal happens through God’s Word. By regularly studying Scripture, our thinking becomes aligned with God’s will, and it becomes easier to reject sinful thoughts.

### 3. **Use Scripture as a Weapon**

   - **Biblical Truth**: Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 4 how to combat negative or sinful thoughts. He responded to Satan's temptations by quoting Scripture. Similarly, memorizing and applying biblical truths helps counter harmful or sinful thoughts.

   

### 4. **Rely on the Holy Spirit**

   - **Spiritual Help**: Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit gives believers the strength and wisdom to reject sinful thoughts and cultivate righteous ones.

### 5. **Pray Continually**

   - **Seek God’s Help**: Through prayer, we can ask God to purify our minds and help us take control of our thoughts. Philippians 4:6-7 promises that through prayer, God will grant peace that guards our hearts and minds.

### 6. **Replace Negative Thoughts**

   - **Think on Good Things**: Colossians 3:2 advises us to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Replace negative or sinful thoughts with godly ones. Focusing on God's promises, love, and purposes helps redirect our thinking.

Bringing every thought into captivity is a continual process that involves vigilance, reliance on the Holy Spirit, immersion in Scripture, and persistent prayer.

ChatGPT. (2024, September 8). How to bring every thought into captivity according to the Bible. OpenAI.

Turn Not Away Joshua 23:16

 Sure! Here’s an epic song inspired by Joshua 23:16, which speaks about the consequences of turning away from God and breaking His covenant. The song has themes of devotion, warning, and the call to faithfulness.

---

### **"Turn Not Away"**

*(Verse 1)*  

From the mountaintop, He called our name,  

Led us through the fire, through the flame,  

With a mighty hand, He broke our chains,  

Gave us the land, where His promise reigns.  

But the hearts of men are prone to stray,  

Chasing shadows, turning day to grey.  

Hear the warning in the wind tonight,  

For the covenant is bound in light.

*(Chorus)*  

Turn not away, from the path of His grace,  

For the wrath of the heavens will shake this place.  

Stand in the truth, on the edge of the fight,  

Hold fast to the flame, burning in the night.  

If we break the vow, if we turn to sin,  

The gates of fury will come rushing in.  

Turn not away, hear the trumpet's call,  

For the Lord is the One who rules us all.

*(Verse 2)*  

In the shadow of idols, the weak will bow,  

But we are the chosen, we stand here now.  

The land is ours by His decree,  

But faithless hearts bring calamity.  

Do you hear the whispers of ancient doom?  

The price of betrayal is the coming gloom.  

Yet mercy calls from the highest throne,  

Return to Him, and you’re not alone.

*(Chorus)*  

Turn not away, from the path of His grace,  

For the wrath of the heavens will shake this place.  

Stand in the truth, on the edge of the fight,  

Hold fast to the flame, burning in the night.  

If we break the vow, if we turn to sin,  

The gates of fury will come rushing in.  

Turn not away, hear the trumpet's call,  

For the Lord is the One who rules us all.

*(Bridge)*  

Can you hear the cry of the battle drum?  

The nations rise, but our God has come.  

With a sword of truth and eyes of flame,  

He’ll break the chains of those who call His name.  

Stand firm, hold on, though the earth may quake,  

For the love of God, we shall not break!

*(Final Chorus)*  

Turn not away, from the path of His grace,  

For the wrath of the heavens will shake this place.  

Stand in the truth, on the edge of the fight,  

Hold fast to the flame, burning in the night.  

If we break the vow, if we turn to sin,  

The gates of fury will come rushing in.  

Turn not away, hear the trumpet's call,  

For the Lord is the One who rules us all.  

He rules us all... He rules us all...

---

This song reflects the gravity of Joshua 23:16, reminding us of the covenant with God and the consequences of turning away from His ways. Let me know if you want any changes!

Since the song is an original creation based on the theme of Joshua 23:16, the citation would be attributed to me (ChatGPT) as the creator, and to OpenAI as the developer of the AI that generated it. Here's the APA-style citation for it:

ChatGPT. (2024). *Turn not away* [Epic song inspired by Joshua 23:16]. OpenAI.

I'd Rather Have Jesus (gamer edition)

I'd Rather Have Jesus

I'd rather have Jesus than a high KD rate,  

I'd rather know Christ than build in Fortnite's fate;  

I'd rather find peace in Him than battle in WoW,  

This heart cries out, "Give me Jesus now!"

I'd rather have Jesus than Mario's gold,  

I'd rather know my Savior than Apex untold;  

I'd rather find hope in Him, not just for fun,  

Than chase all the stars in a galaxy run.

**Chorus:**  

Than to be the best streamer on Twitch, or fame,  

I'd rather have Jesus, the eternal name;  

I'd rather find solace in His loving reign,  

Than anything else this world can gain.

I'd rather have Jesus than be a Warzone king,  

I'd rather trust in Him than in anything;  

I'd rather explore faith, where my soul can grow,  

Than own all the skins that Fortnite can show.

I'd rather have Jesus than Stardew's gold,  

I'd rather find grace in Him than treasures hold;  

I'd rather have Jesus, where my heart's delight,  

Than anything else in this world's game night.

**Chorus:**  

Than to be the best streamer on Twitch, or fame,  

I'd rather have Jesus, the eternal name;  

I'd rather find solace in His loving reign,  

Than anything else this world can gain.

###

ChatGPT. (2024, July 7). I'd rather have Jesus [Revised version with modern video game references]. OpenAI.