Pine Bush High School senior Jessica Wells received a full Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Marine Option Scholarship to Penn State University. Jessica competed with more than 200 applicants and was one of six selected to receive this scholarship. This highly selective process only accepts 30 percent of applicants.  In four years, upon graduation from Penn State, Jessica will be a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corp.

 

“Jessica is an amazing young woman who possesses all of the leadership qualities that will make her an exceptional future Marine Corp officer,” said Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer. 

The process for this scholarship was a long and arduous one. Jessica said she started it back in August, writing two essays and completing paperwork that included much information about herself. In October, she went to Albany to complete more paperwork and perform the marine physical fitness exam. She did pull-ups, planks and ran three miles. After that, she had a nearly hour-long interview with an officer.

Then she waited. On Thursday, March 21, two marines came to Pine Bush High School to present Jessica with the scholarship. She was joyously surprised.

Now she has her sights set on State College, PA as she plans to study criminology in the fall.

“I am very passionate about the law enforcement field, which is why I wanted to take the military route to possibly go into the FBI to be a investigator,” said  Jessica.

However, she is not closing the door on a life in the military.

“If I find myself fitting in the marines better, I will stay in,” Jessica added. “It will expose me to many different things. I am very excited and grateful for all who have helped me through this process.”

Congratulations Jessica! You certainly make us Pine Bush Proud!