On Friday, March 20th at 2:00 pm in the high school lobby by the Veteran’s wall, senior Kaylin Garcia received a $180,000 scholarship from the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship program. Bay Shore staff members, girls track team, members of Garcia’s family and other curious students were all in attendance.
In order to be eligible for the NROTC Scholarship, students must be a U.S. citizen, become a high school graduate, meet the required SAT score and have no criminal record. Sergeant Garcia presented Kaylin Garcia with the scholarship. Prior to entering the program, scholarship recipients attend training over the summer.
“Over the summer they’re going to be training and getting the discipline, leadership and communication skills it takes to be a phenomenal leader in the future,” Sergeant Garcia said.
Ms. Indemaio, Kaylin Garcia’s 9th and 11th grade English teacher spoke to Kaylin’s work ethic and academic performance.
“Her work ethic was unmatched, she put 150 percent effort into every task, whether it was something minor or something major,” said Ms. Indemaio. “Her end goal was always about learning.”
Kaylin Garcia is in the International Baccalaureate degree program, a high honor roll student, and a member of National Honor Society. Some of the clubs that Garcia joined include: Interact Club, Peer Support, Cross Country and Track.
“It was a combination of academic work and athletic work and familial support,” said Kaylin Garcia.
Garcia did not expect to receive the NROTC scholarship. When asked if Naval Reserve officer training was the expected outcome of her high school tenure, Garcia said no but, “The military has always been in the back of my mind.”
The NROTC is a program that provides full tuition, stipends and other privileges made to offset the expenses associated with college experience while preparing to become a naval officer. In addition to covering tuition, recipients receive a stipend of textbooks and uniforms, allowances each academic month and summer training cruises. Garcia will attend Penn State University in the Fall, majoring in Finance.
