Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken | Sarah K. Lykins, a senior at Buckeye Union High School, speaks in regard to being a...... read more read more
BUCKEYE, ARIZ. - United States Marines from Marine Corps Recruiting Station Phoenix paid a visit to Buckeye Union High School in Buckeye, Ariz., Feb. 15, 2013, to present senior high school student, Sarah K. Lykins, with a highly selective $150,000 Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship.
Lykins, a multisport athlete and 4.0 student, was selected among more than 130 applicants from the southwestern United States, based on her commitment to the classroom, her community and to physical fitness.
“Becoming an officer in the Marine Corps is both physically and mentally demanding,” said Lykins, “which is a big motivation for me because it combines my two favorite challenges into one.”
Lykins found out about the scholarship program at the beginning of her senior year from a Marine recruiter, and with aspirations of becoming an aviator, she saw this as a unique opportunity.
“I’ve always loved airplanes and grew up around it,” said Lykins, whose father was in the Air Force. “I love the thought of the thrill and the fact that it is even more selective.”
The Marine Corps NROTC scholarship program was established in 1932. It came into existence to develop young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. The program educates and trains young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Marine Corps.
“That’s what makes college possible,” she said. “That was when I realized I could do anything I wanted.”
Lykins found out she was receiving the scholarship one afternoon when she was returning home from a soccer game, which they won, she pointed out.
“I thought it was a joke,” she said. “There aren’t a lot of people from a small town like this who get this kind of opportunity, let alone a 17 year-old, 5-foot-1-inch female from Buckeye, Ariz.”
The Marine Corps NROTC scholarship program determines its recipients during two nationally competitive selection periods each year, and Ford said Lykins is as qualified as they come.
"She is what the NROTC scholarship program is about, rewarding the best and the brightest for their commitment to excellence," said Ford.
Lykins will move on to attend a four-year college of her choice, wherein she will leave during the summer of her junior year to attend the Marine Officer Candidates Course, return to school to complete her degree, and receive her commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines.
She plans on majoring in aerospace engineering with a minor in aerospace sciences with the goal of becoming a Marine Corps pilot.
“Doing things people think you can’t is a big deal to me,” said Lykins. “I am very excited for the new challenges and new places.”
For more information about the Marine Corps NROTC scholarship program, visit http://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/commissioning-programs/four-year-colleges/nrotc.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2013 20:25 |
| Story ID: | 102102 |
| Location: | BUCKEYE, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | BUCKEYE, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 439 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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