Granbury High School MCJROTC student receives scholarship

After a Veteran’s Day event on Nov. 10 at Granbury High School, a GHS Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps student received a four-year Marine option scholarship worth $180,000.

The scholarship was presented to Cadet Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Hutchison by the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station of Fort Worth.

The Navy Reserve Officers Training Program (Navy ROTC-Marine Option Scholarship) is a multi-year program that runs concurrently with a student’s normal college or university educational course of study. In addition to a normal academic workload leading to a baccalaureate degree, Navy ROTC Marine Option students attend classes in naval science, participate in the Navy ROTC unit for drill, physical trainingand other activities, and are generally taught the leadership principles and high ideals of a military officer.

“In this most recent selection board, there were more than 250 applicants from the Fort Worth area and only 15 were selected, which included Johnathan. Stellar academics and superior physical training are essential to being selected for this scholarship,” Granbury High School ROTC Instructor Johnny Rositas said.

Marine Option applicants are also required to complete the Marine Corps physical fitness test (PFT). The PFT consists of maximum pullups, max amount of crunches in two minutes, and  timed three-mile run. Other factors that affect selection are community service, participation in high school extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation from teachers.

“Every day I try to promote integrity, discipline, honor and the first amendment,” Hutchison said.

During the summer break between school years, Navy ROTC students participate in a variety of training activities. These sessions help students understand various career options as well as familiarize them with military life.

High school students who have completed less than 30 college credits can be submitted for the scholarship prior to graduating high school.

“Johnathan has been a truly amazing student for a very long time.  He is taking challenging courses, demonstrates a heart for service and patriotism, and is always leading by example,” GHS Principal Jamie Robinson said. “His commitment to being his best and bringing out the best in others is one of his best qualities and I see an amazing future ahead of him as a leader.”