Senior Fredy Laron Ratunil was celebrated in the quad during lunch on Friday, February 23 after being one of 16 students in Southern California to be selected for a $180,000 full-ride scholarship to any college of his choosing. The scholarship is hosted by the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) and guarantees Ratunil a job in the Marines and training to be an officer as soon as he graduates from college.

The surprise announcement was opened by Principal Patrick Walker and followed by Major Mike Nolan, who oversees recruitment for the Marines in Southern California. Ratunil was both overwhelmed and excited by the news, which was especially surprising to him as he applied for the scholarship last minute. “It’s unbelievable,” said Ratunil “A lot of people told me to wait or not do it, but I listened to myself.” Ratunil hopes to use the scholarship to attend Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University where he plans on majoring in aerospace engineering.

Applying for the scholarship is a long process that requires good grades, essays, and a physical, consisting of a three-mile run, pull-ups, and planks. Applications for the class of 2025 are currently open until October 2024 (Early Board) or January 2025(Late Board). Students can find out more about the scholarship by visiting the Navy website at https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Apply/ .