By Pat Dolan, VP Communications, Minnesota Navy League
The Minnesota Navy League Council supports two Navy JROTC and one Marine Corps ROTC programs in the state.
The JROTC programs emphasize citizenship and leadership development. Como Park has the only Marine Corps JROTC in Minnesota (established in 1995) under the leadership and inspiration of retired United States Marines. A diverse elective that emphasizes patriotism, community service, and leadership development through leadership curriculum, planning, executing extra-curricular activities and life-changing events. Cadets wear Marine Corps uniforms, sustain military style grooming standards, travel across the United States, compete in drill competitions, improve physical fitness, develop awareness of leadership through practical experiences; Cyber Patriot, Rifle Drill, Marine Corps Birthday Ball, leadership crucibles at military installations, more travel, adventure and much more under the mentorship of two retired United States Marines.
The Council is thrilled to announce the outstanding success the St. Paul Como High School Marine Corps ROTC achieved this year. Sgt Major James Kirkland is the lead instructor at Como and through his efforts and “the village” that supports the cadets, Como Cougar graduates received $1.5 million in scholarships for the school year!! Specifically,
Cadet First Lieutenant Alex Le - $250,000 (Air Force Academy Scholarship)
Cadet Major Jesiah Mason - $190,500 (Augsburg Full Tuition Scholarship & Olga B. Hart Scholarship & Wallin Scholarship)
·Cadet First Lieutenant Cindy Thao - $172,500 (Augsburg Full Tuition Scholarship)
Cadet First Lieutenant Gay L. Htoo - $246,500 (Augsburg Full Tuition Scholarship & Wallin Scholarship & Travelers Edge Scholarship & Ray Eva Hope Miller Scholarship)
Cadet Captain Chong Her - $48,000 (Travelers Edge Scholarship)
Cadet Sergeant Ve Shar - $96,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship & Wallin Scholarship & Bethel University Scholarship)
Cadet Sergeant Major Sophia Moore- $10,500 (The North Star Marine Veteran Scholarship & The Le Family Scholarship & The CSP University Scholarship & The CSP PSEO Scholarship & The SPPACE Alexander Scholarship & The CSP Diversity Scholarship)
Cadet Corporal Gwenivere Thao - $1,500 (The North Star Marine Veteran Scholarship & USMC Minnesota Coordinating Council Scholarship)
Cadet Corporal Pah Meh - $500 (USMC Major Foley (Ret) Foundation Scholarship)
Cadet First Lieutenant Dallas Beilke - $80,000 (United States Navy Scholarship)
Cadet Second Lieutenant Ju Hei - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet Second Lieutenant Paw Htoo - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet First Lieutenant Ze Vang - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet Lance Corporal Bae Reh - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet Lance Corporal Sandar Htway - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Also at this auspicious event, VP Membership Cmdr. (SC)(Ret.) Robert Dolan presented the Theodore Roosevelt award to Cadet GySgt Adam Luchsinger.
The Minnesota Navy League is so proud of the new record and a remarkable achievement in HONOR-COURAGE and COMMITMENT from all of the MCJROTC cadet cougar graduates and proud to call them one of our adopted units.
