SEE EXCLUSIVE VIDEO | See what it took for this David Douglas High School student, a lifelong outer East Portland resident, to receive a Navy ROTC Scholarship Program grant …
In the south parking lot of David Douglas High School, in near of Palmermini Stadium, members of the US Marine Corps and the scholarship awardee’s friends and family wait to make their surprise entrance.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it wasn’t yet close to Christmas, last month on December 9, a David Douglas High School (DDHS) senior, Sophia Day, received a big surprise gift during her after-school athletic club class.
To keep it a surprise, officers from the Portland US Marine Corps recruiting office quietly gathered with the family and friends of the awardee in the parking lot near Palmermini Stadium on that afternoon.
Before going in to make the presentation, the group of revelers and presenters pose for a group photo.
“One might say we’re doing ‘field maneuvers’ here in the parking lot, while we wait for our awardee to make her way into the gym,” grinned US Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Sauls – speaking in hushed tones, but with a sparkle in his eye.
“We’re here today to recognize a phenomenal young lady by the name of Sophia Day,” GySgt Sauls told East Portland News. “Out of more than 200 applications received from throughout the West Coast, she was one of only four in the State of Oregon to meet the qualifications to be a winner of the NROTC scholarship!”
Watch the excitement build, as this surprise scholarship presentation takes place here, in our exclusive video:
About the NROTC program
The selected applicants for the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program – which includes the US Marine Corps – are awarded scholarships through a highly-competitive national selection process. Winners receive full tuition, a books stipend, educational fees, and other financial benefits, at many of the country’s leading colleges and universities.
The qualifications include at least a 3.2 SAT cumulative score in academic subjects. Another requirement is at least 100 hours of documented community service, outside of school, on personal time.
“And also required is physical aptitude: The physical standard is to complete a three-mile run within 22 minutes; to be able to do 100 ‘crutches’; and then to do five Marine Corps ‘pull-ups’,” Sauls explained.
“The scholarship ranges up to $180,000 in value, and can be used at more than 100 universities throughout the nation. Ms. Day will be going to Stanford University next year, and will be representing the Marine Corps to the highest standards,” GySgt Sauls said East Portland News.
“When she completes her college education and earns her fo9ur-year degree, having maintained her grades, she will receive a guaranteed commission in the United States Marine Corps,” GySgt. Sauls said.
Checking to see if it’s time to head in and make the surprise presentation, here’s Sophia’s mother, Lisa Ortquist.
Proud mom served in Marine Reserves
“We’re really proud of Sophia, my daughter,” said her mom, Lisa Ortquist. “Especially, having been in the Marine Reserves for 11 years – I’m really excited for her. She is a very determined young lady, and it’s impressive to watch her achieve her goals.”
From her mother we learned that Sophia lives in the Hazelwood neighborhood; and has been educated entirely in the David Douglas School District – having attended Ventura Park Elementary and then Floyd light Middle School, before entering DDHS.
As the surprise is revealed, Sophia Day is handed her “big check” from US Marine Corps officers Gunnery Sergeant Sauls, Sergeant Patrick Hinjosa, and Major Matthew Krempel.
Surprise entrance
When the “coast was clear”, the group made their way into a basement gymnasium room where students were exercising.
The distinct, sharp dress of the US Marine Corps officers walking in made immediately clear to Sophia the nature of the visit.
Flanked by her brother, Shad Day – and her mom, Lisa Ortquist – US Marine Corps scholar Sophia Day poses for a celebratory photo.
After telling the students and staff about the scholarship program, GySgt Sauls proclaimed, “Sophia, the people here, standing before you in your class, and those standing here beside you and behind you – we are all standing with you, as you go forward in your education and your career.”
After photos were taken and the cheering diminished, Sophia told East Portland News, “I’m really excited and nervous. I worked really hard for this, and I am really happy.”
Congratulations to Sophia Day! (And, Go Scots!)
© 2022 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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