SGHS JROTC Cadets Receive National Accolades

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SGHS

JROTC Cadets Receive National Military Accolades

By Ltc. Nathaniel Flegler Jr.

South Gwinnett High School Army JROTC

SNELLVILLE, G.A. June 22, 2016 – “Four of our “best and brightest” cadets will begin their college careers this fall courtesy of the United States Army and I am very proud of them,” said Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Nathaniel Flegler, the Senior Army Instructor in charge of the JROTC program at South Gwinnett High School.

Cadets Trontavious Tate and Christopher Skyers have received appointments to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. The scholarship to the United States Military Academy is a fully-funded scholarship that includes all tuition, room, board, books, uniforms, medical and dental care, training costs and pay, and is valued at over $400,000. “I have been working on my goal to achieve a West Point appointment for four years,” said Trontavious Tate.

Also, the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) awarded two three-year scholarships to Cadets Gabriel Gonzalez and Myreon Hardy. The scholarships for these future Army leaders are worth $80,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees. Also, scholarship winners receive a monthly allowance of up to $1,500 a year. “This is like a dream coming true and I am extremely excited,” said Cadet Gonzalez.

The United States Military Academy at West Point admission is open to all young men and women, and is extremely competitive. Candidates must receive a nomination from a member of Congress or from the Department of the Army. They are then evaluated on their academic, physical and leadership potential. Those candidates who are fully qualified receive appointments to the Academy.

Additionally, ROTC is the largest source of Army officers, commissioning more than 60 percent of new officers each year for the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. According to the U.S. Army Cadet Command, headquartered at Fort Knox, Ky., a cadet must have "a strong academic record; good active mindset with mental and physical toughness; selfless motivation and a demonstrated willingness to be involved and be a leader among peers in student or community organizations.

Army ROTC awards four-, three- and two-year merit-based scholarships that cover full tuition and fees, including an annual textbook payment. Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At some schools a ROTC scholarship is worth up to $80,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees. Also, scholarship winners receive a monthly allowance of up to $1,500 a year.

The Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a program offered to high schools that teaches students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. For further information, contact Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Nathaniel Flegler Jr. at 404-932-0469 or email Nathaniel_flegler@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

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