Hopi JROTC squad pays a special visit to Phoenix

The Hopi High JROTC squad posts colors as members of the Phoenix Suns and the crowd look on (Photo by Stan Bindell).

The Hopi High JROTC squad posts colors as members of the Phoenix Suns and the crowd look on (Photo by Stan Bindell).

PHOENIX-The Phoenix Suns and the Hopi High Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) were both big winners on Friday, March 2 as the Suns blasted the Indiana Pacers, 115-90, and the Hopi High JROTC posted the colors prior to the game.

Before the posting of the colors, the JROTC members received autographs and took photographs with several of the Indiana players as well as arena announcer and former Suns player Cedric Ceballos. The JROTC entered the arena across the court from the Suns, so they were closer to the Indiana team.

The six-member all-female squad had a special treat when they practiced on the Suns'ß practice court. Two-time MVP Steve Nash was on the other side of the practice court, but the ladies were told before entering the practice court that Nash needed to focus on his practice so they shouldn't attempt to talk to him.

However, Nash yelled "Hi" and greeted them with a wave when they entered the court.

Command Sgt. Major Leandra Calnimptewa, a 17 year-old junior, has had the pleasure of posting the colors at Phoenix Suns games for the past three years.

"There was still the adrenaline when I stepped foot on the court," she said. "It felt as if we're at a regular basketball game at school, but we're on television and with famous basketball players."

Calnimptewa was proud when the crowd applauded them and she enjoyed getting her photo taken with NBA players, but added that she "felt very short compared to them."

Calnimptewa said the trip was important to her because she wanted the cadets to enjoy the program and see what it has to offer.

"I had the opportunity to spend time with cadets and get to know them better," she said.

Staff Sgt. Raylene Dashner, a 16 year-old sophomore, said she was excited commanding the color guard at the Suns game.

"But I was also nervous," she said. "The crowd was happy that we were there."

Dashner said commanding the color guard shows that she's ready for a leadership position.

Dashner wasn't in many of the photos, but she said that's okay.

"I've got memories and that's better," she said.

PFC Joy Tso, a 16 year-old sophomore, said she felt extreme excitement and it was a great first time experience.

"I felt famous and I felt really lucky," she said.

Tso said the arena directors and the people that work backstage told them they were great and performed well.

"I was able to be seen by thousands of spectators," she said.

Like Calnimptewa, Tso was happy to get players' autographs and get in photos with them, but she too felt small compared to them.

"This was important because I would have never got a chance to visit the Suns by myself. JROTC rocks," she said.

Cadet Terissa Josytewa, a 15 year-old freshman, said she was happy to be on the same court as the Phoenix Suns. "It was cool," she said.

Josytewa said she would like to get to the game earlier in order to meet the players and get their autographs. She added that the trip taught her how to listen and respect others.

Cadets Carolyn Taylor, Lani Ackley, Patrese Honie and Marlana Talayumptewa weren't in the color guard, but they accompanied the JROTC on their trip because of their academic excellence.

During their visit to Phoenix, the JROTC members also visited a history center and the Phoenix Science Museum while in the valley.

Taylor, a 17 year-old junior, said she learned a lot about Arizona history.

Ackley, a 14 year-old freshman, said the color guard performed well.

Talayumptewa, a 14 year-old freshman, said the trip was important to her because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Honie, a 15 year-old freshman, said at the science center they saw the Body Works exhibit where she learned that there are a lot of muscles and bones in the body.

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