Gavin Cote is a senior at UHS who has recently received a $180,000 scholarship for his performance and dedication to JROTC as commanding officer.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I’ll be using my scholarship and participating in the NROTC program there as well.
Q: What work went into JROTC / Acquiring the scholarship?
It took consistent, everyday dedication to the program, especially in my role as Commanding Officer. I showed up for the battalion, stayed mentally and physically fit, kept strong academics, and focused on being a good person overall. It was about doing the right things even when no one was watching.
Q: What’s a skill you learned through JROTC?
Leadership. Over my four years in the program, leadership is the biggest skill I’ve developed. It’s something that’s helped me grow not just in JROTC, but as a person overall.
Q: What lured you into joining JROTC?
It was the military aspect of the program that really drew me in. I’ve always been interested in that lifestyle and structure.
Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to your freshman self, what would it be?
Be a good person and a good student—if you stay on that path, life gets a lot easier.
