Cadet Daisy Grimaldo, second in charge of the Cadet Company in Ross S. Sterling High School’s Marine Corps JROTC program, was chosen through a nationwide selection process to attend the prestigious USMC Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy.

Grimaldo, a junior, is one of 189 selected to attend the program, which is designed to attract top-performing high school students who are upcoming juniors and seniors by offering a one-week leadership program in July 2016 in the Washington, D.C. area. The program provides leadership training, character development, ethics lessons and college admissions information. Most activities are at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA.

Key components of the program are team building, leadership and ethics case studies and activities, daily physical fitness classes, distinguished speakers, community service project, college guidance and advice, NROTC-Marine option and other officer program opportunities and a Washington, D.C. trip.

Selection for the program was based on the following criteria: academic achievement, athleticism (including a physical fitness test), leadership, morally sound and of good character and an essay on leadership. She is also a member of the MCJROTC Color Guard and Drill Team and the recipient of numerous Cadet awards and decorations.

“This was a hard selection process,” said Col Ferral., senior marine instructor. “We are very proud of her, and what she learns at this camp will benefit not only MCJROTC but all of RSS.”