Peggy McGee
The Green Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association (MOAA), recently awarded three $2,500 scholarships to graduating JROTC Cadets from local high schools.
Cadet Ismael Cheang, Jr., will use the scholarship when he enters the University of Arizona (UA) in the fall to study mechanical engineering. Cheang, a Colonel in the Air Force JROTC at Nogales High School, plans to join the ROTC in college and eventually join the Air Force.
Mitchell Reis, Sahuarita High School, will also be attending the University of Arizona where he will tackle a double major in management information systems and finance. Calan Shoals, Walden Grove High School, has been accepted by Grand Canyon University where he will study law with the ultimate goal of becoming a civil attorney. Both are cadets in the Naval JROTC Program at Sahuarita High School.
In addition to the scholarships, MOAA awarded three $1,000 grants to veterans currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at UA. The grants may be used to support their studies, e.g., computers, supplies not covered by the GI bill, transportation. The veterans included:
Andrew Haight, who retired from the Air Force after spending 20 years on active duty, is pursuing a degree in applied biotechnology with a minor in chemistry. His goal is to cultivate new yeast strains for brewing beer in a more energy efficient manner with fewer contaminants.
Kathy Nunez spent eight years in the Marine Corps where she worked in the Public Affairs specialty. She completed her studies for a nursing degree in 2025, so she will use the money to pay for additional courses in advanced cardiovascular and advanced pediatric life support. She plans to work as an RN for a couple years and then return to school to pursue a nurse practitioner doctorate.
Alexander Furste served five years in the Air Force and is currently a political science major with a concentration in international relations. He is also enrolled in the ROTC program and looks forward to being commissioned in the USAF after he graduates from UA in 2026. He hopes to be selected for pilot training after he completes his academic studies.