A national selection board has chosen Marion High School JROTC Cadet Evan Ray to receive the U.S. Army’s ROTC scholarship, valued at just under $100,000.
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.
“I was so happy and honored to be selected,” Ray said. “My goal has been to become an Army officer for as long as I can remember.”
Marion High School JROTC Cadet Evan Ray has been awarded a coveted Army ROTC Scholarship. While at MHS, Ray has been an active member of the Runner-Up National Champions MHS JROTC Raider team.
Ray is considering attending one of four universities that all have Army ROTC programs: Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana-Purdue University at Indianapolis, Ball State University, and Jackson State University.
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.
“Evan is an exceptional young man and will make a fine Army officer,” said retired Lt. Col. David Farlow, the Senior Army Instructor for Marion High School. “He is exactly the kind of person that I would have wanted to serve as a junior officer within my command. And Evan is a stellar example of the quality of cadets our JROTC program is developing.”
Marion High School JROTC Cadet Evan Ray has been selected by a national board to receive an Army ROTC Scholarship. He is the 10th cadet from Marion to receive such a scholarship since the JROTC program began 12 years ago. While in high school, Ray has been an active leader within the JROTC Drill Team.
Ray has served in various leadership positions over the course of his four years in JROTC. He currently serves as the Cadet Battalion Commander, the highest position within JROTC. He is an active member of both the JROTC Raider and Drill Teams. He also plays varsity baseball for Marion High School.
Approximately 5,000 high school seniors apply each year for the Army ROTC Scholarships.
The MHS JROTC program is in its 12th year and has produced 10 cadets who have been awarded ROTC Scholarships. The total value of the ROTC scholarships earned by Marion High School students thus far is nearly $1 million.
The MHS JROTC program is open to any high school age student in Grant County. For more information, click here.