For the second time this year, a Colquitt County High School student has been awarded the prestigious Marine Corps Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship, valued at $180,000.
Cadet Andrew Perdew was presented with the scholarship by Captain Alain Carrasco, the Operations Chief at Recruiting Station Jacksonville. This follows the January announcement of fellow student Britton Marshall receiving the same honor, marking a historic year of achievement for the Colquitt County Marine Corps Junior ROTC (MCJROTC) program.
The NROTC scholarship is an elite national award based on academic excellence, physical fitness, and proven leadership potential. Perdew, who maintains a 3.9 GPA and ranks in the top 10% of his senior class, secured the scholarship with an impressive 1290 on the SAT.
“We are very proud of Andrew,” said his father, Lt. Col. Jason Perdew. “He has wanted to be a Marine his whole life. He comes from a long line of Marines, which includes his Grandfather, Father, Mother, Uncles, and Sister. He plans to major in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University and wants to fly F-35s for the Marine Corps.”
Andrew Perdew’s resume at Colquitt County High School is a testament to his dedication. He is currently the Cadet Company Commander, the highest-ranking cadet in the program. His involvement spans nearly every facet of the MCJROTC department, including the Raider, Drill, CyberPatriot, and Drone teams. As a leader on the Rifle Team, he guided the squad to an undefeated season this year. Outside of JROTC, Perdew was a three-year varsity swimmer and participated in SkillsUSA, the Robotics Team, FBLA, and the Chick-fil-A Leadership program.
Perdew and Marshall join an elite group of Colquitt County alumni who have earned prestigious military scholarships, including Aubrea Diehl, Chris Griggs, Dylan Globerman, and Albert Jones.
The scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition, books, and fees at Iowa State University. Upon graduation, Perdew will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
The MCJROTC program at Colquitt County High School began in 1996 under the leadership of Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Paul Nagy and Gunnery Sergeant Emmett Bryant. It is currently led by Lieutenant Colonel Jason Perdew (Retired) and Sergeant Major Keith Allen.
Images attached:
Andrew Perdew and Captain Alain Carrasco
Lt. Col. Jason Perdew, Andrew Perdew, and Jessica Perdew