December 5, 2025 — The Greenway High School Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) unit has successfully advanced to Level II of the 2025-2026 JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB). By achieving top scores in the initial competitive round, the Greenway "Demon" cadets have proven their academic mettle against thousands of other Navy JROTC teams from across the United States and overseas.

The advancing team is comprised of Cadets Oliver Isbel, Gracie Markle, Yvonne Wilson, and Ethan Zink.

The JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl is a nationally recognized competition created exclusively for JROTC students. By advancing to Level II, the Greenway High School team has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in subjects including English, Math, Science, and current events, as well as rigorous leadership theory.

"This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and intellectual curiosity of our cadets," said Senior Chief Endy Bowdrie, Naval Science Instructor at Greenway High School. "They have balanced their regular high school coursework with the additional study required to compete at this elite level. We are incredibly proud to see them represent Phoenix and the Glendale Union High School District on the national stage."

The team will compete in Level II of the Academic Bowl in February 2026. This second round is critical, as it serves as the final qualifier for the JLAB National Championship. The top performing teams from Level II will travel to Washington, D.C., later in the spring for the all-expense-paid National Championship event.

Participation in the Academic Bowl offers cadets significant benefits beyond the competition itself. The rigorous preparation helps improve SAT/ACT scores, increases interest in college admissions, and fosters teamwork and "esprit de corps."

"The goal of the NJROTC program is to develop informed and responsible citizens," added Chief Corey Stevens, Naval Science Instructor. "Competitions like JLAB challenge our cadets to think critically and work collaboratively—skills that will serve them well in college, their careers, and beyond."

The Greenway NJROTC team will now intensify their study sessions in preparation for the Level II exam, aiming to secure one of the coveted spots in the finals in our nation's capital.