Lake Region High’s JROTC cadets are looking good in green, and we don’t just mean the uniforms.
This year, the Marine Corps JROTC seniors have racked up an astounding $6.4 million in full-ride scholarships. That includes military scholarships worth up to $200,000 each, and a host of additional offers from universities across the nation.
“This was a record year for us,” said Jose Quezada, director of the JROTC program at Lake Region. “A recruiting chief for our region said he has never seen this many scholarships at one school.”
Quezada, a former college professor, said he has been aggressive in working with his cadets to explore their college options, and apply for scholarships and free financial aid. He also credits the students with doing their part to maintain high grades and stay on track to graduate.
Quezada said this year’s scholarship haul will be life-changing for many of the students and their families.
“I believe that education is the best way to break the cycle of poverty,” he said. “This is a lot of work; none of this is in my job description, I just chose to do it, because I came from a poor background. I’m determined to help as many kids as I can.”
The LRHS seniors now have a wealth of options ahead of them. For those who use the military scholarships, they’ll be expected to serve after graduating college, and their advanced education will open doors to specialized roles, such as nuclear engineers and pilots.
Quezada said he has been elated by the response from his cadets and their families.
“We had parents crying at our awards ceremony, they know their kid has a chance now,” he said. “I love these kids, I’d do anything for them.”