RS Detroit presents NROTC scholarship

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. J. R. Heins | Students and staff of Grosse Pointe South High School give a standing ovation to Scott Brooks, a recipient of the 150,000 Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship, during a presentation ceremony at the high school in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, May 21, 2015. The NROTC scholarship is a program to educate and train qualified young men and women as commissioned officers in the Navy or Marine Corps that pays for the full cost of tuition. Brooks was one of only six students presented the award by RS Detroit, which he is slated to use at University of Wisconsin with the pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. J. R. Heins/Released)  

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI, UNITED STATES

06.03.2015

Story by Cpl. J. R. Heins 

4th Marine Corps District

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. - A senior at Grosse Pointe South High School received the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship worth $150,000 by the U.S. Marines of Recruiting Station Detroit during a scholarship presentation ceremony at his high school on May 21, 2015.

For Scott Brooks, it was all a part of his plan to serve his country.

“If I didn’t get the scholarship my plan was to enlist and work to become an officer throughout my time in the Marine Corps,” said Brooks, a native of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.

The NROTC scholarship is a program to educate and train qualified young men and women as commissioned officers in the Navy or Marine Corps that pays for the full cost of tuition and provides a stipend of $750 per academic year for textbooks.

There are many factors taken into consideration to be competitive for the scholarship. Academic and standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and physical fitness tests are thoroughly examined by a panel of officers on the selection board.

Aside from obtaining a 3.7 Grade Point Average, which included 10 advanced placement classes and scoring a 34 on his American College Test, Brooks also volunteers at a local soup kitchen and played on his high school’s football and lacrosse team.

According to Capt. Michael E. Gangemella Jr., the executive officer of RS Detroit, it was a combination of those tangible strengths, along with being a morally sound and well-rounded individual that contributed to his selection for the award. Of the more than 300 applicants, only six were selected to receive scholarships in Detroit area.

“There are many types of scholarships,” said Gangemella. “There are scholastic, athletic and leadership ones out there. However, to earn this scholarship you have to excel in all these avenues.”

Brooks was accepted into the University of Wisconsin and hopes to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

“I’m thankful for this great opportunity the Marine Corps is providing me, allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Brooks.

Interested applicants can visit http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/index.aspx to apply and view the full list of requirements

• Date Taken: 06.03.2015
• Date Posted: 06.04.2015 15:36
• Story ID: 165513
• Location: GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI, US