Serving Beyond the Classroom

Year after year, recruiters come to Hackett’s cafeteria to talk to students about joining the military. But how many students take this seriously? 

Image from Sidney Chenier (pictured middle)

Sidney Chenier, a graduate from the class of 2023, joined Navy ROTC at the University of Mississippi. ROTC scholarships are competitive, as they pay full tuition at any college that has a program. Some colleges even cover room and board for ROTC scholarship recipients. While it is a commitment, a set number of years to serve in the military, ROTC is a great way to pay for college, build an amazing resume, get involved in your college, and have job security. Sidney is happy at Ole Miss and said, “It’s so great to be part of something bigger. I also have the benefit of having a family and community within the unit.”

While ROTC is a great option, there are many different ways to join the military and get quality training that transfers to civilian jobs. For example, some students at Hackett decide to enlist in the military. Nolan Silkworth is one of these students. When asked why he enlisted in the Marines he said, “I just wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and find a community within the Marines while also serving my nation.”

Another great path to the military is the US Service Academies. Multiple Hackett grads have attended these competitive schools, and a couple of juniors are also interested! Paige Zeigler wants to attend the Naval Academy and is working hard to get there. When asked why she is choosing this path she said, “Why I want to take this path would be due to the strong emphasis on character development, learning how to develop leadership characteristics, and the rigorous academic program they provide. I would love to be an aerospace engineer, and through this program it would be all hands-on experience working on some of the coolest planes ever known to man.” Paige has set inspiring and impressive goals for herself!

These students are all great examples of what Hackett students are capable of. In short, you should talk to the recruiters who come to school. Worst case-scenario you learn about something new. Best case-scenario, you find your calling.