The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship is a program that awards full tuition, books, fees, and other financial benefits to selected students who want to become commissioned officers in the Marine Corps Reserve.
It is a highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of less than 20 percent. Applicants must meet general eligibility requirements and undergo a national selection process.
The NROTC Scholarship Program is important in preparing students for leadership and management positions after graduation and is open to students in all majors interested in pursuing a career with the Navy or Marine Corps.
In addition to filling out the scholarship application, Winger also had to pass a physical fitness test, go through two interviews with U.S. Marine Corp officers, demonstrate exceptional involvement inside school and outside school through community service, and receive high recommendations from counselors and mentors.
“David is the only one in Lubbock to receive this scholarship. Frenship is the only school to have back-to-back NROTC Scholarship winners," said James Ramirez, a United States Marines Sergeant who serves as the recruiting officer for Frenship ISD.
Winger shares that the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship will continue to open many doors of opportunity for him upon graduation.
“NROTC is the next level of dedication to the military with education. For me that looks like going into college, getting a degree, and then moving on to an officer candidate school or officer route. This scholarship would enable me to go to school completely paid for, but also serve my country at the same time which is exactly what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid,” said Winger.
United States Marines Captain, Kadrick Johnson, who serves as the executive office for recruiting, said that this scholarship is near to his heart because he received it as a student as well.
“It is a lengthy process, but the process is important because it allows us to gauge whether an applicant has the potential to succeed in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp Program at one of the universities or just in general to be a Marine Corp Officer. David is an incredibly involved and outstanding student,” said Captain Johnson.
Although the process to apply was rigorous, Winger shares that the reward is far more fulfilling.
“It was one thing waiting on the results for this scholarship, but finding out the results was another. I remember the anticipation was the hardest part of the process, but the relief after finding out I got it was amazing, because that’s security. I can go wherever I want with this scholarship and serve my country,” said Winger.
Winger feels overwhelmed with joy and hope for what lies ahead.
“It’s exciting, it’s awesome, and it’s humbling that I am one of very few people that get this opportunity. The most important part is what I choose to do with it. It’s going to be a great experience no matter what, but for me it’s very eye-opening as to what opportunities are ahead,” said Winger.
Winger was joined by his parents, administrators and several students as he was presented with this scholarship.
Congratulations David Winger!