NAME: Jared Bridges

MAJOR: Exercise Science

HIGH SCHOOL: Reidland High School Hometown: Paducah, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I planned to attend WKU whether or not I was awarded a scholarship for ROTC because of several Western alumni that I’ve crossed paths with way before I even began to consider my own college career. Every one of these men I know have started families, became very successful in their careers, and still carries a great passion for the Hill. They’re all model citizens who truly stand out as leaders in their own communities and professions. In my experience these are the kind of people the Hill produces, and that’s exactly what I want to become.

ABOUT ME: In high school I played football, basketball, soccer, and ran every medium distance event for the track team. I was an active member of my church youth group and involved in FCA. As a freshman I won first place at a state DECA competition and followed it with finalist, second, and third place awards the following years. I was my high schools chess club champion, a member of the yearbook staff, and a major contributor to our news program. I like competition, working out, staying fit, and eating right. I’m really excited about being at Western and being a part of ROTC here.

FUTURE GOALS: I plan to graduate in 4 years with a degree in Exercise Science and commission as a 2LT in the U.S Army. I want to get in Military Police or Military Intelligence to gain the 3 years investigative experience that is required to join the FBI. My parents do all they can to provide a quality life for my brother and me, so my going to college and beginning a military career is only so that when I start a family I’ll have the ability to do the same for them.

NAME: Joel Padgett

MAJOR: Physical Education Recreation

HIGH SCHOOL: Glasgow High School

HOMETOWN: Glasgow, Kentucky

WHY I CHOSE WKU: Because its the closest and best college I could think about attending, and offered just as much maybe even more than any colleges could around the state. I like to have fun and do crazy things with my hometown friends and just whoever is up for it. Going out and meeting new people and beautiful girls everywhere is always a plus in my book. I grew up in a Christian home so religion is a part of me threw thick and thin. I’m pretty much a chill person wanting to have fun but doing the right thing at all times. Life is great, I couldn’t ask for more, nor could I ask for a better one because I got the one I have mine as well suck it up and live life the way it is and the best I can. Pura Vida...

FUTURE GOALS: My future goals are to graduate college in at least four years and go on to finish my military career the best that I can. I hope to have a great life and many blessings along the way with a great family and all that it brings. I just want to have the best life that I can.

NAME: Robert Lee LeGrand Jr

MAJOR: computer Science

HIGHSCHOOL: Muhlenberg North High School

HOMETOWN: Central City, KY
WHY I CHOSE WKU: Why I chose Western Kentucky University over all the other Universities and colleges was not only its friendly atmosphere but its top-ranking ROTC program.  Ever since competing in WKU’s cadet challenge I knew that Western Kentucky University was the school for me.   One of the best features of WKU is that it close to home, and with an hour drive I can return home when I need to.

ABOUT ME: While in high school, I participated on all the Muhlenberg North High School JROTC teams, and was the Battalion Commander of the Star Battalion. After talking to a recruiter, I enlisted in the United States Army National Guard at seven-teen with a 31 Bravo MOS (Military Police). May 23, 2007 I was shipped from the Nashville MEPS center to Fort Leonard Wood MO to begin my 10 week Basic Training. Qualifying as Sharp Shooter I then graduated my Basic Training on August the 3, 2007. Throughout my life I always wanted to be in the military so I could carry on the tradition of my large military family background.

FUTURE GOALS: When I get commissioned I want to be an Infantry officer. Then I intend to go to Ranger school and become an Airborne Ranger. Ultimately my goal is to graduate WKU and presume a career in the military.

NAME: Marquarious D. Moore

MAJOR: Computer Science

HIGH SCHOOL: John Hardin High School (Go Bulldogs)

HOMETOWN: Elizabethtown, KY, Hardin County

WHY I CHOSE WKU: From the moment I visited the WKU campus I felt at home. The campus is beautiful and the people are friendly. Unlike UK, WKU has classes, dorms, and other facilities that are near each other. My ROTC recruiter, CPT Sunny Mitchell, also had a huge affect on my choice. I had previously visited with UK and U of L ROTC recruiters, but once I had sat down and talked with CPT Mitchell I knew where I belonged. I was told that the ROTC looks out for their cadets and their biggest goal is for each cadet to graduate. Although school has yet to start, CPT Mitchell has stood true to her word and I has given me hope that I will be able to succeed.

ABOUT ME:

• Favorite color is green, but I’m going for the gold
• Ran track ( Open 100m, Open 200m, Open 400m, 4x1m dash, 4x2m dash, 4x4m dash, and Long Jump)
• I’m a upcoming rapper. (Love to perform)
• Participated in JROTC all four years of high school.
• Come from a military background
• Born in Texas. Lived in Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Panama, and Kentucky.
• Favorite sports are basketball, football, and soccer.
• Rap name is Patron (like the drink)
• My email address is yungpatron16@yahoo.com, phone number (270) 872-8781 call me or email me for any info.
• Check out the music here

FUTURE GOALS:

• Graduate College
• Become and Officer
• Become a Rapper
• Just live life to the fullest with no regrets.

NAME:  Vessels, Samuel(Sam) M.

MAJOR: History

HIGH SCHOOL: John Hardin HOMETOWN: Lexington, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I chose WKU for several different reasons. One is because of WKU's beautiful campus. The people here are particularly friendly and will always lend a helping hand. I also chose this college because of its incredible R.O.T.C. program which consists of some of the most outstanding cadre that any university has to offer.

ABOUT ME: I was in marching band for all four years in high school, but it is not for the weak minded as some people might think. I participated in J.R.O.T.C. for a total of three years. I love to be out doors. FUTURE GOALS: I intend on being commissioned as an Infantry officer. I also want to be career military. Also I want to go to and pass Airborne, air assault and many of the other schools that are offered here at WKU.

NAME: Dillon Orison

MAJOR: Visual Arts with a Concentration in Graphic Design

HIGH SCHOOL: Fort Knox High School

HOMETOWN: Which one?

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I chose WKU for college because I saw the campus and I immediately fell in love. It bright, beautiful, and has so many awesome skate spots.

ABOUT ME: I am blunt, I am outgoing, and I try to be productive. I skate, play games, and I like long walks on the beach and screamo music.

FUTURE GOALS: I hope to commission as an officer in the army and become an airborne sniper.

NAME: Stephanie Maloney

MAJOR: BFA Performing Arts with a concentration in Tech and Design

HIGH SCHOOL: John Hardin High School

HOMETOWN: Radcliff, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I really like the layout of the campus, all except for the hill, but it is small enough to get around. Some family friends graduated from WKU, and the faculty that I have met are all willing to help if you ask them.

ABOUT ME: I transferred to John Hardin High School from the East Bay in California my junior year. I grew up in a military lifestyle, most of my family were in the Army, and most are retired now.

FUTURE GOALS: I want to build sets and/or run lights professionally in theater, and want to work with the Army show while enlisted in the Army.

NAME: Meredith M. Hitt

MAJOR: Nursing

HOMETOWN: Nashville, TN

WHY I CHOSE WKU: WKU caught my eye as a college choice for a couple of reasons. First of all, it is one of the few colleges close to my area that offers Gerontology either as a minor. Then I began hearing wonderful things about the students and campus from many people I knew who went here. As I began researching the nursing program I came across the ROTC program and full scholarship offered for nursing students. After talking to Captain Mitchell it became clear that WKU was going to be the perfect college to get me ready for a career in Nursing (with a minor in Gerontology no doubt) and a career as an officer in the U.S. Army.

ABOUT ME: I love to play soccer. I graduated from East Literature Magnet School with the most distinguished award given, the Eagle Award. I plan to study abroad in college and travel for most of my life after I really love elderly people and my dream job would be to help them for the rest of my life.

FUTURE GOALS:
When I graduate from WKU I want to get as much hands on training as a nurse and travel as far from the U.S. as possible and far from my comfort zones. I want to give orders and learn as much as I can. After retiring, my goal is to work in a Veterans Hospital.

NAME: Samantha Davis

MAJOR: Social Work

HIGH SCHOOL: Fort Knox High School

HOMETOWN: Here there everywhere. I am an Army brat.

WHY I CHOSE WKU: Mainly I liked that it was near my home. I also really liked the campus; everyone seemed really kind and welcoming. All the staff seemed to want you to be here.

ABOUT ME: In high school I participated in JROTC and our school’s dance team. For JROTC I was female Color Guard commander and Squad Drill commander. I also participated on the JROTC raider team.

FUTURE GOALS: I really want to make a career out of Social work. I want to work with abused kids and women.

NAME: Joseph Dunphy

MAJOR: Political Science/ International Relations

HIGHSCHOOL: Franklin County High School

HOMETOWN: Winchester, Tennessee

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I chose WKU for college because of the positive atmosphere the school offers. The ROTC cadre is very enthusiastic about helping cadets succeed. You can really see how they care about their cadets. WKU supports the ROTC program and is proud of the cadets. The Hilltopper Battalion is the best in the Southeast and I know they will help me to become a successful Army officer.

ABOUT ME: I was the captain of my high school football and wrestling team. I went to state in wrestling and was the first wrestler from my school to win a match at the state tournament and also the first freshman captain. In football I was in the top ten for tackles in the state of Tennessee. I also received the Wendy's high school Heisman award. I was president of my class and active in JROTC. I enjoy experiencing new things. I love to fish, hunt, camp, and anything outdoors. I am avid about working out and staying fit. Crossfit is awesome and I am addicted to the program.

FUTURE GOALS: My goal is to commission as a 2LT in four years with a degree in international relations. I want to become an Infantry Officer and a Ranger in the Army. One day After the Army, I would like to become the Secretary of State for the United States of America

NAME: Justin M Powell

MAJOR: Biology/ Pre-Dentistry

HIGH SCHOOL: Henry Clay High School

HOMETOWN: Lexington,KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: When I was growing up I lived five minutes away from UK and I always wanted to go there because of how close it was to home and I love Lexington. When I went to WKU for a college visit I realized that the way campus lay out was a much better fit for me and the Teacher to student ratio was a lot smaller. Also I was just far enough away from home that I can be independent and come back when I wanted to.

ABOUT ME:
- CDT CPT/Alpha Company Commander in my high school JROTC
- Member of HCHS JROTC Raider Team
- Paintball Enthusiast - My High school Raider Team won WKU Raider Challenge Meet
- Love to play football, ultimate Frisbee, Softball ETC.
- Love Nature: camping, fishing, white water rafting
- College Football is my favorite sport GO NOTRE DAME!

FUTURE GOALS: I plan on majoring in biology and going into the army after I commission and attending the Army Dental Corps. I don't know how long I plan on being in the army but I know that one day I want to have a family and not have to be away from them for long periods of time.

NAME: Jasmine W. Barber

MAJOR: Nursing - RN

HOMETOWN: Lexington, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: Once I stepped one foot onto campus I fell in love, and felt like I was home. The landscaping is beautiful, the professors and all other staff are very welcoming and warm people, its close to Nashville, and the structure of campus leaves everything within walking distance; no matter where you're leaving from (...and the hill offers a good way to avoid the dreaded Freshman 15!). The school spirit is CRAZY, and you will never feel like you don't belong, because there is a club, team, or intramural sport for everyone. Western boasts a wonderfully competitive Nursing program, which is what I had been looking for. Another reason why I chose Western is that the university isn't too far from Lexington; I can experience my own independence, but it's only a 2 1/2 hour drive home if I ever need/want to go visit.

ABOUT ME:

- Varsity Dance Team
- I love traveling
- gained the rank of Major and S-3 in JROTC
- coordinated the Polar Bear Plunge and Military Ball for JROTC
- Spanish speaker
- modeled for Xtreme
- assistant summer coach for my high school dance team
- Poet
- I love photography and music
- ROTC Nurse Scholarship recipient
- I love paintball and football
- member of the Raider Team in JROTC
- Dance Enthusiast
- penguin lover <3
- I love the outdoors: horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, camping, etc.


FUTURE GOALS:

- commission as a 2nd Lieutenant
- become the most skilled and successful Nurse I can become
- stay in the Army for 8 years
- start a family and be head of a Nurse staff in a major hospital

NAME: Aaron Alvey

MAJOR: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing

HIGH SCHOOL: Henderson County High School

HOMETOWN: Henderson, Kentucky

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I chose to go to WKU because, it’s in a great location (close to home), and it’s a great place to be. They also have one of the best Nursing programs in the state of Kentucky, so it was an obvious choice. And most of all, they offered me a full ride.

ABOUT ME:
-           I was the Battalion XO, of my JROTC battalion
-           Member of the Color Guard
-           HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) member
-           I like to boat, jet-ski, pretty much anything to do with water I’m there
-           I like to ride horses, and go camping, I pretty much like to be outdoors

FUTURE GOALS: Graduate with a 4.0 GPA from college.  After commissioning as Second Lieutenant, I hope join the medical corps, and move to Germany, and work at a hospital there. I really like kids, so I want a big family, and to live on a farm.

NAME: Jessica Howard

MAJOR: Anthropology

HIGH SCHOOL: Henderson County High School

WHY I CHOSE WKU: For one, campus is beautiful and well-kept. Everyone is friendly. The ROTC is one of the biggest reasons why I chose Western. The staff are good people and they will teach you, to the best of their ability, to become an officer in the United States Army. Also, Western is one of the few schools in Kentucky with my major. They have the best program and facilities by far.

ABOUT ME:

• I am an international traveler. I've been to: Mexico, Jamaica, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.
• I love to learn about different countries, cultures and civilizations. History is my favorite general subject.
• In high school I participated in JROTC for three years. For two years, I was on Battalion staff (CDT MAJ).
• All three years I participated in Color Guard. Eventually I became the XO. My team presented the colors at football and basketball games, and we placed in several competitions.
• Soccer is the best sport in the world!
• For two years I was a morning prayer/devotional leader at school.
• Writing and photography are two of my favorite hobbies.

FUTURE GOALS:  My goal at this time is to graduate from WKU, commission as an officer, and eventually retire from the military. I want (and have) to earn a Ph.D. in Anthropology so I can have a good civilian job once I retire. Sometime in my Anthropology/Archaeology career I would like to discover something momentous, like Atlantis, if you believe in such things.

NAME: Joseph Rogers

MAJOR: Sociology

HIGH SCHOOL: John Hardin High School

HOMETOWN: Elizabethtown, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I looked at many different colleges in the state like EKU, UofL, and UK. Western had the nicest campus and the friendliest staff and upper classmen students when visiting. The other ROTC schools did not offer the same scholarship opportunities or the program was not the best in my opinion for me.

ABOUT ME: While in high school I participated in JROTC (CSM), Track, and FCA. I have always wanted to join the military since I was kid. I feel like I was born to serve my country.

FUTURE GOALS: Just be able to enjoy life and have a great army career doing 20 years and plus.

NAME: Diego Hobbs

MAJOR: Civil engineering

HIGH SCHOOL: Seneca Magnet High School- Home of THE Red Hawks

HOMETOWN: Louisville, Kentucky

WHY I CHOSE WKU: Well the reason I chose WKU for college is because I had visited once before and I fell in love with it. I had always wanted to go to kind of a big college but not feel like I was just a number and the teacher to student ratio is great and the campus is just surrounded by really great and friendly people. Plus ROTC was paying for everything!

ABOUT ME:
- I love the game of basketball
- I played varsity basketball in high school
- Hobbies: working out and playing basketball

FUTURE GOALS: In the future I wish to obtain my degree in civil engineering and later go on to work for the company QK4 in my hometown. After working there for a few years I will then began the process of branching out and starting my own civil engineering company.

NAME: William Carter

MAJOR: Systems Management

HIGH SCHOOL: Central Hardin High

HOMETOWN: Elizabethtown, Kentucky

WHY I CHOSE WKU: My SAI in high school had told me that WKU was a really great school and that he had went there. I compared the three state schools WKU, UK, and UofL and surprisingly, to me, WKU's ROTC came out on top. Also my father had some influence on me as well. The decision was easy.

ABOUT ME:

C/Cpt and Charlie Company Commander in Central Hardin’s JROTC.

Currently hold the Highest PT score for the males at Central Still

Hard worker, I do concrete with my father during the summer and have been now for about six years.

I enjoy riding my motorcycle fall, spring, summer, or winter

I have to be active

FUTURE GOALS: Graduating top ten percent, getting commissioned as a 2^nd lieutenant, going to flight school, making a career out of the Army, and if all else fails doing systems management.

NAME: Kody William Hoadley

MAJOR: Accounting

HIGH SCHOOL: Central Hardin High School

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, Nevada

WHY I CHOSE WKU:
I chose WKU for college because of the ROTC program. They have established a reputation for being one of the best programs in the state. I also chose WKU because of the location and campus. The school isn’t too far away from home to visit, but is just far enough away to see something new. The campus is absolutely beautiful.

ABOUT ME:
I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. I lived there for twelve years before moving to Elizabethtown, KY. Going through high school I was able to maintain a 3.87 GPA. I was able to reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Battalion Commander) in the JROTC program with awards including Superior Cadet and the National Army Recruiting Award. I am a very active guy, when I’m not working in concrete trying to make the bucks you can most likely find me at the gym.

FUTURE GOALS:
My major will take approximately five years to achieve. After obtaining my Bachelors degree and commission as a 2LT, my attention goes straight to Army. Though my branch is one of the hardest to get into, I will stop at nothing short of being an Army Apache/Blackhawk pilot.

NAME: Eileen LePera

MAJOR: Photojournalism

HIGH SCHOOL: Presentation Academy

HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: WKU has one of the best broadcast and journalism schools in the country.  I also loved the campus and knew it really well before attending WKU because my mother attended WKU.

ABOUT ME:  I am in Venture Crew, a program associated with the Boy Scouts of America.  I was in National Art Honor Society in high school.  I played soccer for 3 years.  I did not participate in JROTC because my school did not offer it.  I am a really friendly person and willing to help anyone with any questions.  If you have any questions about anything you can call or text me at (502) 767-3210 or email me at eileen.lepera173@wku.edu

FUTURE GOALS:  After I feel like I fulfilled my duty to my country, I would like to teach photography or writing at my old high school.

NAME: Christopher Kenny Smith

MAJOR: Photojournalism

HIGH SCHOOL: East Literature Magnet High School

HOMETOWN: Madison/Nashville, TN

WHY I CHOSE WKU: Not only does WKU have the best looking campus in the south (that I visited) by far, many college magazines ranked WKU very high on their list for all communication majors, especially my major photojournalism. All of my high school councilors and advisers suggested WKU since I did not want to go too far from my home.

ABOUT ME: I love music, everything from Rap to Pop, Rock and even Latin American music. I played soccer in high school, but I have a history with track, basketball and baseball. I love to swim as well. I have volunteered with multiple organizations including The Salvation Army,
The American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, Nashville Cares, Grassmere Zoo and Hands on Nashville. Future Goal: I plan on majoring in photojournalism with a minor in Spanish. After college I hope to work on Military related publications doing different photo shoots to help inform students on what the ARMY is really about. Hopefully that will also lead to me owning my own publication.

NAME: Michael Bjoralt

MAJOR: Sociology

HIGH SCHOOL: Henderson County High School

HOMETOWN: Henderson KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: The reason I chose WKU for college is because it’s a school I have always admired. I enjoy the atmosphere, the scenery and the people, everything is great at WKU. It gives me the opportunity of being on my own and away from home, even though home isn't too terribly far away. Also being offered an ROTC scholarship
really helped me make my decision. It’s a great place to be at.

ABOUT ME: Citizenship Award 4 years, National Honor Roll 2 years, Cadet Battalion Executive Officer, Color Guard Commander, Raider Adventure Team Executive Officer

FUTURE GOALS: I want to graduate college and receive my degree in Sociology, do my time in the United States Military, become a federal agent in any government branch, and finally play in a professional band.

NAME: Richie Kayle French

MAJOR: Biology (with teaching certificate)

HIGH SCHOOL: Russell County High School

HOMETOWN: Russell Springs, KY

WHY I CHOSE CAMPBELLSVILLE: Because I like the student/teacher ratio as well as the "at home" feeling the campus provides. I feel like I can become the best student I can be at Campbellsville University.

ABOUT ME:
- Executive Officer of my ROTC program in High School
- Played football all four years of High School
- Was in the Delayed Entry Program with the Marine Corps but decided that the AROTC life was better for me.

FUTURE GOALS: To get my Major in Biology here at CU, and to become the best Officer in the Army I can be. All the while raising my daughter Ayden with my fiancé Terra.

NAME: Patricia C. Perez

MAJOR: Political Science (International Affairs)

HOMETOWN: Panama, Rep. of Panama

HIGH SCHOOL: Fort Knox

WHY I CHOSE WKU:  When I first started my college search I was really interested in living in a big city, but when I started hearing about the class sizes, and total independence of large campuses, it scared me a little bit. Choosing WKU for my College of choice would mean that, with an average ratio of 25 students per class, I would get more 1 on1 time with my professors, and also the welcoming atmosphere would make the whole process of moving in much easier. Another factor that influenced, as well, my decision was the fact that they offered an impressive ROTC program with an extensive list of achievements.

ABOUT ME:

• While in High School I participated in Sports, Clubs, and Activities.
• Soccer , Swimming, Tennis (11, 12) Captain
• Power lifting (12)
• Won 1st place at the NAFSA Championships.
• Spanish Club (9,10,11,12) Historian
• FBLA (12)
• Senior Class Treasurer
• Hardin County Youth Leadership Program (11th)
• American Enterprise Private Seminar(11th)
• Part of the Yearbook Staff.
• JROTC (2yrs)
• I’ve worked for the MWR (Aquatics) in Fort Knox, KY as a Lifeguard since 2007.
• Love the outdoors (camping, road trips, etc)

FUTURE GOALS: I plan to graduate from Western with a degree in Political Science and Minor in Military Science. After commissioning as a 2 LT I don’t know how long I will plan on staying in the Army, I know that one day I plan to a family and I wouldn’t like to be away for long periods of time.

NAME: Shayna M. Hatch

MAJOR: Nursing

HIGH SCHOOL: Bradwell Institute

HOMETOWN: Morton, MS

WHY I CHOSE WKU: The first thing that intrigued me about WKU was the atmosphere of the campus. I like the fact that it’s not a very big university. I can get around a lot easier and I can get more help in the classroom. Also, the students and faculty are very personable and easy-going. Another reason, and the most important reason I chose WKU is because my Army ROTC scholarship pays for everything. WKU's Army ROTC program is one of the top-ranked nationwide.

ABOUT ME: While in high school, I participated in many academic activities and I was in the marching band all four years. I lived most of my life in Mississippi, but my sophomore year my dad transferred from the National Guard to active duty army. So I’ve only been an Army brat for just a few years. I love to help others when they need it and that’s why I’m pursuing a career in nursing. I love the outdoors and I really enjoy traveling.

FUTURE GOALS: When I get commissioned I plan to be a nurse in the Army. I still don’t know if want to pursue a career in the Army as a nurse or get out after four years, but I most likely will make a career out of it.

NAME: Kevin Rhea Preston

MAJOR: Meteorology

HIGH SCHOOL: Greenwood High school, Bowling Green, KY

HOMETOWN: Hazlet, NJ

WHY I CHOSE WKU: WKU has the only meteorology program in KY. I also love the campus, and it’s not to far from home and also not to close to home at the same time. Also a lot of my friends are going here so I know many people.

ABOUT ME: I love sports and love to stay active and to workout. I love football and have played it most of my life. I was awarded the defensive lineman of the year award, and the gator award which means that I got the most awards during the season. We also won the first district championship in school history, which was awesome to do my senior year. I also play hockey, and do ROTC and I love it.

FUTURE GOALS: Enter the army as a 2LT and serve my country. I also then plan to work for NOAA as a winter weather forecaster and tell kids that school is cancelled! Then have a Family and settle down.

NAME:  Andrew Johnson

MAJOR:  Political Science

HIGH SCHOOL:  North Hardin High School

HOMETOWN: Radcliff, KY, Hardin County

WHY I CHOOSE WKU:   In hindsight WKU choose me.  My father graduated and was commissioned from WKU.  Three of my good friends were already enrolled here so I was drawn to it.  I was also interested photojournalism my first semester, and Western is one to the top ranked in the nation for photojournalism.  The school also has a beautiful campus.

ABOUT ME:  In high school I was an editor on both the yearbook and newspaper staff, and a member of the television production at the school.  While working on the newspaper I won an third place award for photography form the Society of Professional Journalism.  My section in the yearbook, the academics section, took first place along with one of my pictures in the section.  I also held officer positions in the Junior Historical Society and the National Honor Society.  I work hard in all my classes and always stride for achievement in everything I do.  Only recently have I began to be more interested in the military, but I have always been a patriot and believe that we can all play a vital roll in preserving America and the values it was founded upon.  This is my main reason for choosing to do ROTC:  I like helping and serving people and what better way than by serving my country and defending the constitution along with getting an education.

FUTURE: I honestly don’t know; I wish I was psychic, but unfortunately I am only average.  I do hope to excel as an officer in the U.S. Army, but have not yet decided witch branch would best suit me and my abilities.  Although unsure if I will make the military my only career in life, I do plan to do my best and continue to consider it.  Also, on a lighter note, in the future I plan to see the ocean.

NAME: Josh Gonzales

MAJOR: Photojournalism

HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: When I was looking for a college I looked for a friendly, welcoming environment yet also a mid-sized campus. Western's size is exactly what I wanted and all the teachers and staff really seem to care about me and want me to excel.

ABOUT ME: Earned my Eagle Scout Rank Played Soccer and Swam competitively my whole life Enjoy playing paintball and airsoft Love being in the outdoors and camping or hiking

FUTURE GOALS: I plan on doing my part in the Army as an officer and helping lead this great nation, but I plan on working for a newspaper or magazine doing photography and journalism and hopefully one day to be an editor of a major publication.

NAME: Ethan Harbolt

MAJOR: History

HIGH SCHOOL: John Hardin High School

HOMETOWN: Elizabethtown, KY

WHY I CHOSE WKU: I chose WKU for the small campus. I came for a visit and loved it. Bowling Green is also close to my home, but not to close. About Me: I am an avid disc golfer. I was the cadet battalion XO for my high school JROTC. I was the co-captain of the drill/color guard team, and of the rifle team. We took second place in the state air rifle meet. I wrestled, played tennis, and was in choir. I worked at Hungry Howie's Pizza for over a year. Future Goals: To commission as a 2nd LT. Have fun through out my college experience. Advance to a pro level disc golf player.