South Side High School student awarded $154,000 scholarship

On June 6, CPT Michael Franson, assistant professor of military science at Hofstra University, presented South Side High School Senior James Messina with a ROTC scholarship worth $154,576 from the US Army. According to his guidance counselor, Linda Weiss, Messina has always expressed a strong desire to serve his community and his country. He became interested in the Army Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC) and diligently prepared for the application and physical requirements of the program.

“James is an outstanding scholar-athlete and a full International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate who has achieved exemplary academic results in a very demanding set of courses,” Weiss said. “He is an accomplished three season athlete: a member of the Varsity Golf Team, as well as the Varsity Winter and Spring Track and Field teams where he has won All Conference Honors in the Shot Put. He is a member of Athletes Helping Athletes, SADD and Youth Decide. Perhaps most notable is his involvement with the First Tee of Nassau County, an organization which teaches golf to young children while infusing a strong sense of values and sportsmanship.”

The Army scholarship will provide full college tuition and mandatory educational fees or room and board up to $10,000 per year, plus $600 per semester allowance for textbooks, school supplies and required equipment and a monthly stipend starting at $300 per semester.

Messina will attend the University of Florida in the fall.