DALLAS — Members of the Dallas High School Military Interest Club, along with advisor Mark Adams, will host its inaugural United States Marine Corps Fitness Test at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the school’s track and field facilities.
The fitness test, open to the entire Luzerne County community, will consist of three-person teams completing an 800-meter run, ammunition can lifts and a 300-meter obstacle course similar to those in Tough Mudder events.
“It’s a very difficult test and really gives you an opportunity to test your general physical fitness,” Adams said. “Anybody who wants to come compete and test their mettle are encouraged to do so.”
The cost to participate is $20 for each individual or $50 per teams of three and the proceeds will benefit military support programs. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, and prizes will be given to top finishers. Registration forms can be picked up at Dallas High School, Anytime Fitness in Dallas or through each athletic director of Luzerne County schools.
Adams started the Military Interest Club at the high school in August 2014 and has seen substantial growth in the number of members, 25 to 30 each day, and overall interest level from the students.
“From last year, we’ve really grown quite a bit based upon some of the activities we’ve done,” Adams said. “We’ve really garnered some pretty significant interest. Last year, we went on a couple field trips, including one to Fort Indiantown Gap’s flight facility. We’ve taken some of the events we did last year, including the fitness test, and are now using them as competitions.”
According to Adams, the club has also broadened its scope in terms of community service.
“We’re sponsoring community events like the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive and we ran Corey’s Annual Walk, an event held each year to celebrate the life of Corey Ehret, a 2012 Dallas High School graduate and member of the school’s cross country team, who died in July 2012 after a three-year battle with cancer.”
Dallas High School students Daniel Sweeney, Colin Ryniec, Dakotah Stoshick and Michael Santora have been members of the club since its inception; Riley Oremus joined soon after.
Sweeney, 17, joined the club to learn more about different branches of the military and has developed many friendships.
“I didn’t know exactly what branch of the military I wanted to join, so I wanted to expand my knowledge of all the branches,” Sweeney said. “I’ve enjoyed the activities and the people in the club. They’re a lot of fun and easy to talk to because we all have the same interests.”
Ryniec, 17, who is interested in joining the Navy, enjoys the conversations regarding military issues and lending a helping hand.
“I like that we all view things similarly and also the fact that we can have an impact on the community outside of school,” Ryniec said.
He ranked helping to organize Corey’s Annual Walk as one of the most memorable and rewarding events he’s participated in through the club.
“It was one of my favorite so far because it really brought the community together for one purpose,” Ryniec said.
Oremus, 16, found out about the club during a conversation with friends and decided to give it a shot.
“I’ve always been very good friends with Colin (Ryniec) and Daniel (Sweeney) and they talked to me about the club,” she said. “I used to be involved with Student Council so it was a big difference, but I enjoy the club because I want to go into the Navy or Marines. I also had the opportunity to do a job shadow and everybody in the club interacts as if they were almost in the military. It’s fun to have them around.”