Henry Cartwright and Nathaniel Gamboa have both garnered Naval ROTC scholarship valued at $200,000 each. The Huntington High School Class of 2019 members were publicly presented with the scholarships at the senior academic awards night ceremony before a crowd of 325 in the auditorium.
Mr. Cartwright plans to study aerospace engineering at Virginia Tech while Mr. Gamboa intends to pursue a degree in mathematical science and physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The duo held symbolic checks for $200,000 during the senior ceremony.
US Navy Petty Officer Montalvo at Huntington High School's senior academic awards ceremony
Mr. Cartwright is an Advanced Placement Scholar. He was inducted into Huntington’s National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society and Science Honor Society. He played on the Blue Devil football, lacrosse and swimming teams and was active in the high school’s student government.
An Advanced Placement Scholar, Mr. Gamboa garnered induction into Huntington High School’s National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, English Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Math Honor Society. He captained the Blue Devil swim team and was a section leader in the marching band.
Petty Officer Montalvo from the US Navy Recruiting District New York was on hand for the senior award festivities. Representing the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, announced that Messrs. Cartwright and Gamboa were among 1,200 seniors awarded scholarships from a nationwide pool of 6,000 applicants.
Mr. Montalvo said the NROTC application process is unique and requires each student to complete an application, fitness assessment, interview with a US Navy officer, recommendations, essays, supplemental forms and careful scrutiny of transcripts and test scores.
“Screening is thorough, with a focus on well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a willingness to accept responsibility, as well as outstanding academic credentials and athletic performance,” Mr. Motalvo said.
The scholarship will provide Messrs. Cartwright and Gamboa with tuition and other financial benefits worth as much as $200,000. “Additionally, the NROTC scholarship provides all uniforms, naval science textbooks, three summer cruises aboard US Navy ships, an annual $750 stipend for text books and a monthly tax-free allowance of $250 during the freshman year, rising to $400 by senior year,” Mr. Montalvo said. “Upon completion of the four year degree of their choice, they will earn a commission as an officer in the United States Navy.”
Mr. Cartwright has been a leader among his classmates. His work with Huntington’s student government and community service organizations is notable. He has gained strength and motivation from his family’s encouragement to strive to do his best academically and athletically.
“Compassionate, involved, focused, genuine” – are all words that accurately describe Mr. Gamboa, who exudes humble confidence and a spirited outlook on life. He’s always loved new experiences and he’ll be getting plenty of them in the NROTC program.
“Huntington High School should be very proud of Henry and Nathaniel’s achievement,” Mr. Montalvo said.
