Southington High Graduate Awarded Naval Reserve Scholarship

A 2013 Southington High School graduate was selected to receive a $150,000 scholarship from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship Program, Marine Corps Option, according to a release from the program.

Ryan Perez was presented with the scholarship June 29 on Rentschler Field during halftime of the 2013 Military Bowl football game. Capt. Nicholas Pesce, the Operations Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Springfield, Mass., presented the scholarship to Perez.

Perez was one of 30 students in the New England Region who earned the scholarship. 

Perez played soccer though out high school and serving as the team’s captain. He is also a member of his school’s Model of the United Nations and has more than 140 hours of community volunteer service for youth groups.

Perez will attend the University of Washington in the fall. Upon graduation and successful completion of the requirements, he will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Each year, between November and January, the NROTC Scholarship Board accepts submissions from all over the nation. Students are judged on academic success, grade point averages, SAT/ACT scores, and overall physical condition. The board will also consider teacher evaluations and extracurricular activities when reviewing the submissions.

“This is a leadership opportunity for those students who desire to further their education and pursue service in the United States Marine Corps as a commissioned officer,” said Capt. Thomas Abbott, the Executive Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Springfield, Mass. in the release. 

Students who accept the NROTC scholarship will receive up to $150,000 as part of a full four-year tuition accepted at more than 160 colleges and universities, compensation for textbooks, fees and uniforms, a monthly allowance of up to $250, and experience.