Amidst the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, four exceptional students residing in Guam and Okinawa, Japan, have emerged as the newest recipients of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship.

Jerimiah Henley, Gwen Pantaleon, Andrei Antonio and Zachary Hall competed amongst more than 200 other applicants within the 12th Marine Corps District, each securing one of the 50 available scholarships.

According to Capt. Mehgan Rodriguez, executive officer of Recruiting Station San Diego, the applicants selected are awarded the scholarship through a highly competitive selection process and receive full tuition and other financial benefits at many of the country’s leading colleges and universities.

“The mission of the NROTC program today is to develop young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment,” said Rodriguez. “The program educates and trains young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.”

As the four overseas high school seniors prepare to embark on a journey that will redefine their futures, we applaud their accomplishments and commend their aspirations.

Gwen Pantaleon

Pantaleon, a native of Santee, California, is currently a senior at Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan. During her high school career, she has participated in varsity track, varsity wrestling and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Her academic achievements include being awarded the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and induction into the National Honor Society. Additionally, she has volunteered over 200 hours for school events, food drives, Red Cross events, as well as beach and base cleanups.

“I applied for this scholarship because I have had the privilege of being exposed to great leaders in the military ever since I moved to Camp Foster in Okinawa,” said Pantaleon. “All around base, I see men and women who walk with confidence, courage, and humility, and it has inspired me to find the love for service to my community. I wanted to continue to serve in any way I can and the biggest ways I can once I am done with my high school career.”

Pantaleon plans to study Microbiology at the University of California at Davis.

Jerimiah Henley

Henley, a native of San Diego, is currently a senior at Kadena High School in Okinawa, Japan. During his high school career, he has participated in varsity cross country, varsity track, JROTC, and worked as the layout editor for his high school newspaper. Henley is also the recipient of the National Freedom Foundation Award.

“I applied for the scholarship when I found out that I could get my degree at the same time as earning a commission, which I wanted to do after doing a bit of JROTC and seeing the things that my dad did at work,” said Henley. “I saw all the things that he did and how he cared for his Marines and the people around him. I also just grew to like military customs and everything around it more since I did JROTC.”

Henley was one of five applicants selected for the Frederick C. Branch scholarship; a scholarship named in honor of the first African-American Marine officer. The scholarship offers four-year, ROTC scholarships for students attending one of 17 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Henley plans to study Computer Science Technology at Savannah Atlanta University.

Zachary Hall

Hall, a native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is currently a senior at Kubasaki High School. During his high school career, he has participated in varsity football and JROTC. Additionally, he completed numerous professional certifications including CompTIA A+ and placed third in the National Scholastic Tournament. He has also volunteered over 50 hours at food pantries, churches and the Marine Thrift Shop.

“For all of my life, I’ve wanted to become a Marine Corps officer,” said Hall. “Primarily for the challenges, and also my desire to better myself. I applied for this scholarship because I knew I wanted to become a Marine Corps officer regardless, but the scholarship could help me pay for college.”

Hall plans to study Computer Engineering at Auburn University.

Andrei Antonio

Antonio, a native of Dededo, Guam, is currently a senior at Okkodo High School in Dededo. During his high school career, Antonio played varsity rugby, participated in JROTC, and attended both Cyber STEM Camp and Aviation STEM Camp. He has volunteered over 135 hours with organizations including Wreaths Across America and Toys for Tots. His accolades include the Military Order of the World Wars Medal of Merit, Outstanding Cadet Award, Student Leadership Award, and Civic Service Award.

“I am filled with joy and excitement.,” said Antonio. “It’s really an honor to be a student in the Marine Corps JROTC program and represent not only the Okkodo High School JROTC program, but my island and my family. I want to give back to my nation in the best way I can and that’s by serving as a Marine.”

Antonio plans to study Computer Science at Virginia Military Institute.

For more information on the NROTC scholarship, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/nrotc/