William Floyd High School senior selected for prestigious NROTC scholarship

William Floyd High School senior Geneva Smith has been selected to receive a full four-year Naval Reserve Officers Training (NROTC) scholarship, providing her the opportunity to bring her leadership and service-based skills to Jacksonville University in the fall, where she will be majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in naval science. After college graduation, Geneva will be commissioned into the U.S. Navy as an officer. She hopes to become a pilot in the future.

At William Floyd, Geneva had the honor of being the only cadet to represent the northeast region during the Women in Aviation International (WAI) conference in Florida this past year. She was also second in command within her squadron, cadet advisory council and in her NJROTC career at William Floyd. She was also the only cadet in the unit selected for the Leadership Academy and Sail Training, which gives the top NJROTC students in the region the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and learn about seamanship. Geneva was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol for the past five years. She maintained high honor roll throughout her high school career, ran cross country and track since seventh grade, and worked a part-time job.

According to the U.S. Navy, NROTC scholarship recipients embody the physical and mental qualities of a naval officer. The application process includes a review of academic transcripts and SAT scores, a physical assessment, and a personal interview.

As an NROTC scholarship program recipient, Geneva will receive full tuition, three summer training cruises (Navy surface ships, aviation squadrons and submarines), room, board, a stipend that increases throughout her collegiate years and more. The NROTC program also provides recipients with the opportunity to enjoy a traditional college experience while preparing to serve as a naval officer.

For aspiring future naval officers, Geneva attended William Floyd schools K-12 including Moriches Elementary School and William Floyd Middle School.