The JROTC program at Lecanto High School in Citrus County celebrates a big win Sunday.

The U.S. Army gave the highest marks in history to the cadets during a recent evaluation.

"It's just outstanding that we came this far from the beginning of the year," said cadet Brianna Fort.

The Panther Battalion is part of a new nationwide pilot program that focuses more on academics.

They earned a 99 percent in their evaluation, the highest ever handed out by the Army's 6th Brigade.

"It's an amazing accomplishment. They spent a lot of nights, some weekends. They gave up some of their Thanksgiving break," said Senior Instructor Ltc. David Brown.

The cadets were judged on academics, community service and interviews.

The Army says it plans to use part of this program as a model in other states.

"I knew that we would pass the inspection but I didn't know we would get a 99 percent," said Battalion Commander Brandon Bartsch.