York Graduate earns Marine Corps NROTC scholarship to VMI

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Diamant | United States Marine Corps Capt. Mark Cowles, left, Marine Corps Recruiting Station Richmond Executive Officer, and Sgt. Cameron Fitzgerald, right, Marine Corps Recruiter at Recruiting Substation Newport News, present Edward Myles Brown, center, with a scholarship check for $150,000 at an awards ceremony at York High School, June 4. Brown will attend the Virginia Military Institute beginning this summer, and follow in his father’s footsteps as a Marine Corps officer. The scholarship he earned will not only cover his full tuition, but also give him a monthly stipend for expenses.  

YORKTOWN, VA, UNITED STATES

06.02.2015

Story by Sgt. Aaron Diamant 

4th Marine Corps District

YORKTOWN, Va.- For one York High School graduate, the road to earning the coveted eagle, globe and anchor will lead him all over Virginia’s vast and varied climes and places. Form the middle peninsula, to the Blue Ridge Mountains that are home to Virginia Military Institute, then to the shores of the Potomac for Officer Candidate Course and The Basic School, before venturing into parts unknown as a leader of Marines.

But unlike many across the nation who work to earn a commission as an Officer of Marines, Edward Myles Brown is doing so with a Marine Option Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship, which will cover his full tuition and give him a monthly stipend while he attends VMI.

“This is a dream come true,” said Brown. “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication paying off. I’m really excited to be on this journey.”

Brown has had his mind set on being a Marine Officer for his entire life, wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I’m proud to present this scholarship, which is near and dear to my heart, to Myles Brown, who is seeking to earn a commission as a Marine officer and follow a family legacy,” said Capt. Mark Cowles, Marine Corps Recruiting Station Richmond’s Executive Officer, during an awards ceremony at York High School on June 4. “He showed a high level of dedication, and even encouraged his fellow scholarship applicants during the application and interview process.”

Applicants for the scholarship must have recommendations from teachers and counselors, preform a Marine Corps physical fitness test, and are interviewed by two Marine Corps officers. In addition, their SAT scores and community service are taken into account by the national selection board for the scholarship. Earning this scholarship is highly competitive, as the number awarded varies by year based on budgetary constraints.

Recipients of the NROTC scholarship receive significant financial assistance for their education at one of over 150 top universities and colleges throughout the United States.

The scholarship includes money for almost all areas of school expenses including tuition, books, fees and uniforms, along with extra costs associated with being a full-time student.

As part of the program, students participate in Naval Science classes and spend their first two summers learning about the Navy and the Marine Corps. During the third summer, they spend six weeks attending Marine Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia.

After graduating college and successful completion of the program, graduates will earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, and begin their career as Marine Officers.

• Date Taken: 06.02.2015
• Date Posted: 08.13.2015 08:21
• Story ID: 173027
• Location: YORKTOWN, VA, US
• Hometown: YORKTOWN, VA, US