Delaware County Council recognized six young women who excelled in a grueling physical fitness challenge conducted by the United States Marines Youth Foundation.

The Sun Valley High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) girls’ physical fitness team captured first place in the 2016 National High School Physical Fitness Championships, hosted last May by the U.S. Marine Youth Foundation in San Diego, Calif.

Three of the team members graduated in June and three are still students at Sun Valley High School, but all six gathered for the well-deserved recognition.

“In Delaware County, we are always proud of the students we have who excel in all areas, including academics, arts, and athletics,” said Council Vice Chair Colleen Morrone. “These cadets won the regional competition in March, which earned them a spot at the nationals in May. This year marks their second championship title. They beat out 37,000 cadets nationwide!”

The cadets trained for hours all year to compete in crunches, push-ups, standing long jump, pull-ups, and the 300-yard shuttle run. The judges were all Marines.

“These cadets and their coach, Master Gunnery Sergeant James Pearn, deserve a lot of credit,” Morrone said. “And we should note that JROTC is not just about physical fitness.

“Junior ROTC is a program offered to high schools that teaches students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. This training gives them many skills that will help them succeed in military or civilian endeavors.”

Members of the championship team are Stephanie Farnsworth, Shelby C. Jackson, Elizabeth C. Luoma, Cassie L. Morris, Elaina Reynolds, and Angela Sauter-Faga.