Harker Heights High School – Taking Aim at a New Archery Tradition

Writer & Photographer – Tod Martin

Four Killeen ISD high school Junior ROTC battalions participated in the first local JROTC archery tournament. Harker Heights High School Knights Battalion, led by retired 1st Sgt. Joe Flores, wanted to build the team’s morale and continue to grow together as a family. The team, which had already won top accolades, was keen on hosting the event. Battalion Commander and Senior Isabella Melendez Rivera stated her group was honored to host the event, citing its mental component and the virtues of discipline.

Flores was eager to point out that archery can carry over to the classroom, where it can impart focus and concentration. The top six shooters made up the team scores. Top females were Isabella Melendez Rivera with 273 points out of a possible 300, Nathalia Menchaca with 268, and Aaliyah Johnson with 261. Top male finishers were Yuri Watson with 284 and Mervin Narito with 265 from Harker Heights, and Jeremiah Hankins from Killeen in third with 263.

The Knights Battalion motto, “Plant the seed,” signifies the team’s commitment to growing together as a family. The Knights Invitational reflects the team’s love for the sport and how it teaches valuable life lessons.

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