Senior Cadet Earns Air Force J-100 Scholarship
Senior MacKenzie Roy, a JROTC cadet, was selected to receive an Air Force J-100 Character-in-Leadership Scholarship. She is one of only 100 cadets nationwide to receive this scholarship.
The J-100 program provides recipients with four years of paid tuition at any college or university with an AFROTC detachment, $10,000 annually for university housing, $675 annually for books and a monthly stipend.
“It’s an honor to have received this scholarship,” MacKenzie said. “I am excited for the opportunity it brings for my future!”
The J-100 recognizes character and leadership in AFJROTC cadets and provides 100 high school seniors the opportunity to pursue a commission in the United States Air or Space Forces while earning their college degree. Scholarship candidates must be nominated by their instructors, meet academic and fitness standards, and participate in interviews with a three-person panel that includes active duty officers and enlisted and civilian members.
An AFJROTC cadet since the ninth grade, MacKenzie earned a $20,000 scholarship last summer to attend the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy at Purdue University. MacKenzie earned private pilot certification upon completion of the eight-week program.
“JROTC has completely changed my life,” MacKenzie said, noting that the program has helped her become a leader and has provided her skills she uses every day at school and at work. Giving back to veterans is important to MacKenzie, who has earned over 550 community service hours volunteering at American Legion and VFW events. Her JROTC experience and community service has earned her the Air Force Distinguished Cadet Badge, Daughters of the American Revolution Citizen Award and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award.
Following graduation, MacKenzie plans to attend the United States Naval Academy or join an ROTC program and become a military fighter pilot. She intends to study international relations and hopes to one day serve in Congress or become a United States ambassador.
“I am overwhelmed with thankfulness,” MacKenzie said. “I am so grateful to my family for always supporting me as well as to Chief [Gasparetto] and Major [Morrison] for always inspiring me to be my best. It will be an absolute honor to follow in my parents’ footsteps and serve my country!"