A national selection board has chosen Marion High School JROTC Cadet Jocelyn Lopez-Gomez to receive the U.S. Army’s ROTC Scholarship, valued at just under $50,000.
Students awarded the scholarships can choose to attend any of the more than 1,000 colleges and universities that have an Army ROTC Program, and the money can be used to pay for tuition, room and board, books and fees. Additionally, the cadets will receive a monthly stipend to cover incidental costs.
“It was such a blessing,” Lopez-Gomezsaid. “I am so grateful for this unfathomable opportunity. I am just so grateful.”
Lopez-Gomez plans to attend Indiana University-Bloomington in the fall.
The Army evaluates scholarship applicants on their academic performance, athletic achievements, and demonstrated leadership.
The scholarship recipients must enroll in ROTC for all four years of college. Upon graduation, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and serve either on active duty or in the reserve components of the Army (Army Reserves or National Guard).
Approximately 10,000 high school seniors apply each year for the Army ROTC scholarships. Only about 2,500 scholarships are awarded each year.
“Jocelyn is an exceptional young lady who is so deserving of this honor,” said retired Lt. Col. David Farlow, the Senior Army Instructor for the MHS JROTC program. “She will make an excellent Army officer.”
Farlow noted that her time at MHS has helped the program and her fellow cadets grow too.
“Lopez-Gomez has been in JROTC all four years of high school, making a positive impact every step of the way,” he said. She rapidly progressed through the ranks and ultimately became the unit’s Battalion Commander — the top position within JROTC.”
The MHS JROTC program is in its 13th year and has produced 12 cadets who have been awarded ROTC Scholarships. The total value of the ROTC scholarships earned by Marion High School students thus far has surpassed $1 million.
The MHS JROTC program is open to any high school age student in Grant County. For more information, click here.