Cedric Howard II

Cedric Howard II, senior at Fredonia High School, receives the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) National Scholarship awarded by the Naval Service Training Command. A NROTC scholarship recipient receives full tuition, room and board, books stipend, educational fees, and other financial entitlements to one of the country’s leading higher education institutions.

The NROTC program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. The NROTC scholarship fills a vital role in the preparation of future officers for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical military operation. Upon college graduation, scholarship recipients will be commissioned as Ensign in the Navy or Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

The NROTC scholarship program awards scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process. The program’s selection process requires an applicant to submit a high school transcript, SAT/ACT test score, physical fitness assessment, and a list of extracurricular and community services activities. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and 1150 SAT are requirements for scholarship applicants.

According to application material, “The NROTC scholarship selection board considers the ‘whole person,’ including College Board scores, grades, class standing, athletics, participation in extracurricular activities, recommendations, employment history, interview results, and perceived potential. We are looking for the future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps. We want well-rounded students who are intelligent enough to excel in academics, athletic enough to meet the physical challenges of military service, and who are personable and dynamic enough to assume roles as military leaders. It is not enough to be only bright, or only athletic, or only personable. It takes a combination of the three qualities to be a successful Naval Officer.”

As part of the application process for the NROTC National Scholarship, each candidate lists five schools for consideration. Cedric applied and received admission into Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Idaho, SUNY Maritime Academy, and Tuskegee University. In addition to the NROTC national scholarship, Cedric received the SUNY Maritime Presidential Academy Scholarship encouraging his participation in its Navy ROTC program and study Marine Science.

This fall, Cedric will use his NROTC National Scholarship to attend Tuskegee University and participate in the Auburn University/Tuskegee Consortium NROTC program. Tuskegee and Auburn University are located within 20 miles of one another (in Alabama) and share the same Commanding Officer and active duty staff. This arrangement is known as a “consortium.” The consortium allows Midshipman to benefit from each institution’s distinct mission.

“I am honored to have an opportunity to attend college, while preparing to serve my country as a commissioned officer in the US Navy. I want to express my appreciation to my teachers, staff, aides, and coaches from Fredonia High School for investing in my development over the past four years. A special shout-out to my teammates for challenging me to grow as a person and athlete.”