The St. Louis School and Sacred Hearts Academy JROTC cadets participated in the Waianae Adventure Challenge (WAC) from Apr. 19-21 at the Waianae Recreational Center. As the largest JROTC Challenge in the state, the WAC featured events such as water crossing, physical fitness tests, rope bridging, 3/4 mile beach run, open ocean swim, canoe paddling, obstacle course and a 1 1/2 mile run uphill.

Academy cadets included juniors Janelle Domanguera and Kathryn Mckee, sophomores Melissa Biddle, Theresa Ellorin and Baelle Gay, and freshman Pacharin Cozzo.

Mckee said, “I loved the entire experience. It forced me to push my limits physically and mentally. Personally, the hardest event was the physical fitness test because it was very intense and hard on the body. However, it helped me to develop a closeness between my team and me while strengthening me as an individual.”

Domanguera agreed. “That was the toughest experience I have ever gone through, but it really taught me that even when you think you want to give up, you have to keep going. Giving up is never the answer.”