On Aug. 27 the NJROTC Lightning Battalion Color Guard presented Colors for the Miami Dolphins vs. Philadelphia Eagles game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

The battalion – including junior Julian Gavazzi, sophomore Jasmine Amilcar, senior Lillian Flood and sophomore and team commander Napolean Joseph – was picked out of a group of Miami schools to perform in August and again on Nov. 27. 

“The Color Guard is a group of four cadets that present the United States and State or Navy flags at games and ceremonies,” Senior Naval Science Instructor Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Follett said. “Presenting the Colors is a military tradition dating back to the beginning of our country.”

The Hard Rock Stadium frequently picks high schools to represent the Dolphins’ home game Color Guard. Besides Krop, South Florida schools such as Ft. Lauderdale High and Pace High, have presented colors for past games.

This isn’t the battalion’s first rodeo at the Dolphins game or other large sporting events, however. Last year, the color guard performed two events for the Miami Dolphins and one event for the Miami Open. 

During the presentation, each student took on a specific role, with Joseph as the ensign flag, Flood as the state flag and Amilcar and Gavazzi as left and right shoulder (rifle). After presenting their flags and rifles, the team ensures the proper retirement of the Colors.

“It was really exhilarating,” Amilcar said. “I mean I was on TV. It felt good to get compliments from people who I didn’t even think watched the game.” 

The team was given two weeks to prepare for the event, practicing a couple times a week up until the hour before the actual color guard. 

“We were experienced so we didn’t need to practice too much,” Joseph said. “I felt confident performing and leading. I was prepared well by my past commander. She made it feel like second nature.”