Marine Sgt. Maj. John Rethage checks a Parkersburg High School Navy Junior ROTC cadet’s uniform during the unit’s annual inspection Wednesday at the PHS Memorial Field House. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

PARKERSBURG — Parkersburg High School’s Memorial Field House regularly provides a venue for student-athletes to showcase their talents.

On Wednesday, it was the Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets’ turn to do the same.

More than 100 cadets gathered on the basketball court for their annual inspection by military officials. Many parents and family members sat in the stands to watch.

The Navy inspects all Junior ROTC units once a year, examining cadets’ adherence to uniform and grooming guidelines, their marching and drilling and other aspects of the program.

“It’s very important,” said Commanding Officer Zach Howard, a PHS senior. “It makes sure that … every cadet knows what they’re doing.”

Marine Sgt. Maj. John Rethage checks a Parkersburg High School Navy Junior ROTC cadet’s uniform during the unit’s annual inspection Wednesday at the PHS Memorial Field House. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

In addition to marching and drilling demonstrations, each cadet was inspected on their appearance, from the crispness of their uniforms to whether their hair was properly cut or held up.

Marine Sgt. Maj. John Rethage, from West Virginia’s only other Navy Junior ROTC program at Lincoln High School in Shinnston, walked among the cadets, checking their hats, asking them to perform an about face and posing questions about the Navy’s core values and chain of command.

“We had no one fail,” said Capt. David Ozeroff, senior Naval science instructor for the PHS program.

In fact, so many cadets received an outstanding rating, they had to delay the presentation of ribbons for that achievement.

“There were too many,” Ozeroff said.

The Parkersburg High School Navy Junior ROTC color guard marches while other cadets stand at attention during the unit’s annual inspection Wednesday at the PHS Memorial Field House. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

The inspection was the fourth for Howard but the first for freshmen like Hailey Milia.

“It was a bit scary, but they’re genuinely nice,” she said. “Once they get to you, everything’s fine.”

Ozeroff said the presence of family members represented “the best turnout since I’ve been here.”

At the conclusion of the inspection, Rethage encouraged the cadets to stay in school and remain in the Junior ROTC program.

“It will enhance your high school career,” he said. “High school is preparation for the real world.”

Marine Sgt. Maj. John Rethage adjusts the cap of a Parkersburg High School Navy Junior ROTC cadet during the unit’s annual inspection Wednesday at the PHS Memorial Field House. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.

Cadets in the Parkersburg High School Navy Junior ROTC await the next phase of their annual inspection Wednesday at the PHS Memorial Field House. (Photo by Evan Bevins)