PASADENA, Texas — Cadet Lieutenant Thanh Thuc Huynh, a senior at South Houston High School, has been awarded a NROTC Scholarship worth up to $250,000 by the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. 

The scholarship, announced on September 10, 2024, is part of a highly competitive national selection process. It covers full tuition, books, educational fees, and provides a monthly stipend at many of the nation’s leading colleges and universities. 

Huynh was selected for her outstanding merit and leadership skills. The NROTC program aims to further develop her abilities, preparing her for a rewarding career as a naval officer in the United States Navy. 

Petty Officer Sassa Hernandez, a naval recruiter for South Houston High School, noted how competitive and selective the scholarship can be for applicants.

According to Hernandez, “It’s extremely competitive.” Students typically need to be involved in the community, whether through volunteer service at church, participation in the Chess Club, membership in the National Honor Society, or being part of student cabinets.

“Leadership can be demonstrated in various ways, and it’s even better that any student can apply for the scholarship, regardless of their participation in the ROTC program,” Hernandez added.

This scholarship not only guarantees a high-paying job upon graduation but also offers unparalleled leadership opportunities. 

“With this scholarship the recipients get to travel and have fun while also developing their profession,” Hernandez said. 

Principal Wenke at South Houston High School couldn’t be prouder of Huynh’s accomplishments and the success of the South Houston JROTC program, as this is only the second NROTC scholarship awarded in Pasadena ISD. 

“Thanh is amazing. In any caliber that we ask, any position that she holds, from honor society to ROTC, she’s truly a gifted student, and we’re just so honored to be able to recognize her today with such an amazing scholarship,” Winky said. 

Chief Robinson, NROTC Scholarship Coordinator for NTAG Houston, presented the scholarship to Huynh, emphasizing the importance of leadership in the Navy. 

“The scholarship means the Navy is always looking for leaders. We start at this level of the students because if they’re already showing leadership as students in high school, we want to water that seed and see what that can become in the Navy as a naval officer,” Robinson said. 

“Through the NROTC program, we’re going to continue to develop her leadership skills so she can become an amazing naval officer in our great United States Navy,” Robinson added. 

Huynh was selected based on her merit and leadership skills. Her resilience in delivering a well-thought-out package, exceptional references, and an incredible rapport with her Chief Sergeant in the JROTC program were the icing on the cake. 

The celebration and unwavering support didn’t stop there, as SHHS Sergeant Cheeks recognized how impactful this award is for Huynh and expressed how beneficial it is for his current and future cadets to learn from. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to inform our cadets about the available scholarships that can lead to a Marine Corps commission as an officer. These scholarships are competitive but achievable. It’s important to remember that JROTC helps build the tools and foundations that many cadets will find useful as they transition into their collegiate years,” Cheeks said. 

“I’m so excited and honored to have earned the NROTC scholarship. This opens so many doors. My dream right now is to get into my top school, MIT, but with this scholarship, I’m totally content with going to the different NROTC schools in Texas, like A&M and UT Austin,” Huynh 

As she prepares for her spring graduation in 2025, this scholarship marks a beneficial start to her professional journey.