The dedication of six Army ROTC cadets has been recognized with scholarships covering the cost of college tuition.
Five cadets from Pennsylvania College of Technology and one from Lycoming College were bestowed Army ROTC scholarships during a recent contracting ceremony at Penn College. In addition to paying for tuition, the scholarships provide a monthly stipend and book allowance.
“Earning such a comprehensive scholarship is a very competitive process,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost at Penn College. “These cadets have not only distinguished themselves in the ROTC program but also as college students. We are very proud of them.”
Besides their regular college activities and courses, ROTC cadets take classes on military science and leadership and engage in physical training three days a week in order to meet conditioning requirements. Each semester also includes a field training exercise.
The Penn College scholarship recipients and their majors are Kyle P. Amon, of Lafayette Hill, engineering design technology; Aleah M. Emlet, of Altoona, electronics and computer engineering technology; Brandon J. Knauff, of Ellicott City, Maryland, manufacturing engineering technology; Kurt M. Maly, of Effort, building automation technology: mechatronics engineering technology concentration; and Trent D. Martin, of Ephrata, construction management.
Erika C. Boyer, of East Greenville, who is majoring in criminal justice at Lycoming College, also received a scholarship.
Upon graduation, the cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants and embark on specialized training in their first Army branch. They will commit to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.
“My experience has shown that Army ROTC cadets are usually high achievers in and out of the classroom,” Strickland said. “Their sincere commitment to their academic pursuits and service to our country is an excellent example for all students. They are inspiring.”
The Penn College Army ROTC program is part of the Bald Eagle Battalion, headquartered at Lock Haven University. Other members of the battalion are Lycoming College and Lock Haven and Mansfield universities. For more information, email ROTC.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Boyer, a student at Lycoming College, with Britton outside the Bush Campus Center
Amon introduces his family to Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor of engineering design technology, who arrived to support her student.
President Davie Jane Gilmour addresses the cadets at the well-attended ceremony in Penn's Inn.
Martin takes the oath.
Maly gives a shout-out to his fellow cadets for their support; each was afforded the opportunity to speak after receiving his or her check. ROTC instructor Cody M. Myers is at the podium.
Knauff receives his check.
Emlet is congratulated by Strickland, who, along with the president, shook hands with each of the cadets after the ceremony.
Amon stands with two of his three proud grandfathers, all of whom served in the Air Force or Marines.