(BBB)
Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB), and Salt River Project (SRP) honored 10 Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students and their programs as part of BBB’s Ethical Cadet Scholarship Program. Recipient cadets are awarded for their leadership, character, commitment to service and actions that go beyond the call of duty.
Now in its sixth year, the scholarship has awarded $120K to local AZ high school students and their JROTC programs. BBB Ethical Cadet scholarship recipients serve as role models by leading in times of need, doing the right thing even in the most difficult situations, and empowering others through community service.
“I was so happy to learn that I had won the BBB Ethical Cadet Scholarship! I have learned so many skills from Westview’s JROTC program and I am forever grateful for this scholarship,” said Catalina Brown.
BBB Ethical Cadet Scholarship winners for 2023-2024 school year
- Catalina Brown from Westview High School in Avondale
- Caleb Dunaway from Higley High School in Gilbert
- Jhoanna Echeverria from Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen
- Hannah Hunt from Basha High School in Chandler
- Levi McFarland from Gilbert High School in Gilbert
- Keith Meir from Basha High School in Chandler
- Ashley Nowacki from Basha High School in Chandler
- Alexandra Veprek from Gilbert High School in Gilbert
- Riziki Watuna from Tolleson Union High School in Tolleson
- Veronica Woodall from Basha High School in Chandler
“Learning that Cadet Brown was a recipient of the scholarship made me feel proud and reminds me of why I enjoy being an instructor. They are being rewarded for their hard efforts and knowing that the program receives funds demonstrates the unselfishness that our cadets have. The money will be utilized for new physical fitness equipment that we are in need of and will also help pay for our field trips,” shared Francisco Cardoza, Captain, USMC (Ret)/ Westview High School Senior Marine Instructor.
Arizona high school students enrolled in a JROTC program within SRP’s service area, while maintaining a GPA of at least 2.75, were eligible to apply for the scholarship. Students submitted a recommendation letter by a JROTC staff member or school representative and winners were selected based on their essay submission. Scholarship winners win a $1K scholarship and an additional $1K scholarship is awarded to their school’s JROTC program. Winning essays explored the students' leadership, character, and commitment to service. Applications will open in August 2024 on cadet.bbbcommunity.org.