FONTANA, CA – As Fontana High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) marksmanship team delivered one of its strongest finishes in program history during the MCJROTC National Air Rifle Championship in Utah from February 5 to 7, freshman cadet Victoria Avila’s dedication and hard work cemented her place alongside her team on the national stage.

Avila’s path to the national competition was equally shaped by her growth in the classroom as well as on the range. During her first semester, her grades fluctuated, and at times threatened her eligibility to travel with the team. Determined to earn the opportunity, she pushed herself to improve and used the competition as motivation to stay focused on her academics.

“My grades were all over the place, and then the Lieutenant Colonel told me I had to get my grades up, and that stuck with me,” Avila said. “Every time I looked at an assignment and thought about putting it off, I thought about that trip. I wanted to go, and I knew I needed to do better. I started asking more questions, getting more involved, and staying in contact with my teachers.”

With her grades improved, Avila earned her place at the Marine Corps JROTC National Championship, competing against nearly 100 cadets from top programs across the country. As a first-year cadet, stepping onto the national stage marked a major milestone in her budding marksmanship career, placing her alongside experienced competitors and introducing her to the intensity of high-level competition.

LtCol Denny Meelarp said Avila’s dedication and persistence have set her apart, noting her commitment to improving both on the range and in the classroom.

“She’s usually the first one on the range and the last one to leave,” Meelarp said. “She’s motivated. I remind her that she has to keep her grades up so she can stay eligible to compete. She’s really come around and is starting to find her place.”

Avila’s experience came as Fontana High’s A Team delivered an exceptional performance at nationals, finishing fourth overall and tying for third in total score, missing the podium by one bullseye. The team’s consistency helped secure qualification for the upcoming All-Service JROTC Championship in Ohio, where they will compete against top teams from across all military branches.

Team members Angel Posada, Stephanie Mendoza, Javier Campos, and Ashia Segura came in with a combined total score of 4,241 including 105 bullseyes made across the team, with Posada placing ninth overall individually and earning four Excellence in Competition points toward Distinguished status.

On Feb. 25, Fontana High School’s MCJROTC marksmen continued their streak of success at the 2026 Jackson Roser Memorial Shootout, taking first place overall with a score of 2,082 with 32 bullseyes, earning them the Team Sporter Championship Title. Looking ahead, the team plans to carry that momentum into the Civilian Marksmanship Program State Championship as they continue on their road to the All-Service Nationals, set for March 27-28 in Port Clinton, Ohio.

“Victoria’s commitment to improving herself, both academically and as a cadet, reflects the character and growth that all our students can build at Fontana Unified,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “Her journey, along with the team’s success at nationals, shows what students can accomplish when they challenge themselves, support one another, and rise to represent their school and community with pride.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

MARINE_CORPS_NATIONALS1: Freshman Victoria Avila, along with the Fontana High School MCJROTC Marksmanship team, helped deliver an exemplary performance at the 2026 Marine Corps Nationals, marking a milestone for Avila in the program.