“Drill Doesn’t End after High School”
It just loses its place
Arizona never had a place for drillers to keep going.
Until Now.
Unite. Train. Compete. Lead.
Pictures of some of our Vanguard Members during their time on Maryvale HS’s Army JROTC Drill Teams.
What This Becomes
Keep Training
Drill shouldn’t stop at graduation.
Panther Vanguard gives drillers a place to continue sharpening their craft and refining their discipline. A place to train alongside others who still carry the same passion for drill.
Stay Connected
Drill has always created strong bonds – but those connections often disappear after high school.
Here, drillers, cadets, alumni, and leaders can continue building the community, discipline, and camaraderie that made drill meaningful in the first place.
Continue Competing
Competition brings out the best in drillers.
Through exhibitions, street drill, or future statewide events, Panther Vanguard creates opportunities for drillers to challenge themselves, perform under pressure, and continue pushing their limits.
Building Something That Lasts
Our Vision
Arizona lacks a place for drillers to connect, continue their craft, and build meaningful communities beyond high school.
The Panther Vanguard is here to change that.
Our vision is to build a lasting drill culture in Arizona where drillers can continue training, competing, and pushing the culture forward long after graduation.
Leadership
The leadership team guiding Panther Vanguard’s growth, culture, and future.
Kennett Ho
Vanguard Commander | Founder & CEO
Battalion Commander, MVHS AJROTC ’23
Armed Commander, MVHS AJROTC ’22/23
Xavier Cohen
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) | Co-Founder & COO
Unarmed Commander, MVHS AJROTC ’24/25/26
Elias Contreras
Command Sustainment Officer (CSO) | Co-Founder & VP
Unarmed Co-Commander, MVHS AJROTC ’22
Yasmin Gamez
Executive Officer (XO)
Unarmed Commander, MVHS AJROTC ’25
S-4 Logistics Officer, MVHS AJROTC ’25
Mia Gordillo
S-1 (Personnel & Administration Officer)
Armed TL, MVHS AJROTC ’23/24
Shelsy Castaneda
S-2 (Intelligence & Safety Officer)
Color Guard Commander, MVHS AJROTC ’24/25
Command Sergeant Major, MVHS AJROTC ’25
Peyton Shinn
S-3 (Training & Operations Officer)
Armed Commander, AFJROTC ’23
John Calen
S-6 (Public Affairs & Communications Officer)
Color Guard Rifle Guard, MVHS AJROTC ’24/25
The Panther Vanguard 