Two students in Mount Vernon High’s Marine Corps JROTC program took top honors in the enhanced medal competition, sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).  Winning first place statewide and locally was junior Tatyana Bovarnick.  Classmate Emma Thatcher finished in second place for the local chapter of SAR and was named one of seven finalists in Virginia.  To compete, the cadets completed a nomination package for the SAR Enhanced JROTC Medal that included a list of their activities, leadership positions, and accomplishments in JROTC; other student activities at Mount Vernon High, academic awards, and their grade point average. Each cadet also submitted a 500-700 word essay on the topic, “How JROTC has prepared me to be a better citizen of the United States of America.” Nomination packets also included an endorsement from the JROTC senior Marine instructor and principal Anthony Terrell. Contact senior Marine instructor Caroline Simkins-Mullins at [email protected].