[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 16, 2026

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Round 
Rock High School Marine Corps JROTC Academics Team, who achieved a 
historic first-place finish at the 2025 JROTC Leadership and Academic 
Bowl (JLAB) National Championship. This marks the first time a Marine 
Corps JROTC team has captured the overall national title across all 
service branches, and the first time a team from Round Rock has earned 
this distinction.
  JLAB 2025 began in November 2024 with 3,543 JROTC programs from the 
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. After months of 
rigorous online competition, only the top teams advanced to the 
national championship at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Though 
Round Rock initially ranked ninth among Marine Corps programs, just 
outside the qualifying cutoff, an unexpected opening allowed them to 
compete. They went on to win the Marine Corps division and then defeat 
the champions from every other branch to claim the national title.
  Their victory was the result of months of disciplined preparation, 
including weekly practices, competition simulations, and intense review 
of past contest materials. Under the leadership of retired Marine 
Master Gunnery Sergeant Olmeda, who served 23 years on active duty and 
is now in his eighth year teaching JROTC, cadets Niveda Swamynathan, 
Khushal Jalagam, Sylvia Marrone, and Ishaan Chokshi demonstrated 
exceptional dedication, teamwork, and academic excellence.
  On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I 
congratulate the Round Rock High School Marine Corps JROTC Academics 
Team, who have made Central Texas proud through their perseverance and 
groundbreaking achievement.

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