Navy Federal Credit Union has announced the recipients of its ROTC All-American Scholarship Program’s Students of the Year awards, recognizing top Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) seniors from the Air Force, Army, and Navy/Marine branches.
The selection process involved a panel made up of Navy Federal employees and military veterans who reviewed 265 nominations from 202 schools across the country. Candidates were evaluated based on leadership, military excellence, scholarship, and service. Each Student of the Year receives a $6,500 scholarship, while an additional $5,000 is donated to their school’s Booster Club or Student Fund.
Alec Bessonny from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott was recognized for his work in Air Force ROTC. As squadron commander, he managed trainers and field training attendees and organized a visit by the China Aerospace Studies Institute for multiple universities. Bessonny was also selected as a cadet training assistant at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. He stated: “For me, I always try to look at what I can do for my followers, peers, leaders, friends and just how something small can impact them in a really positive way. The impact I want to have on the underclassmen is that they have the environment I had to succeed in, if not better. Our mentorship is unmatched, and I want to continue the legacy of mentorship, guidance and community.” Bessonny also received the ROTC Silver Valor Award for helping rescue injured hikers during a mountain trail incident.
Kylie Williamson from Cornell University’s Navy/Marines ROTC program was chosen as another recipient. She serves as company commander with plans to become battalion commander and aims for a career as a nuclear submarine officer. Williamson said: “Coming to college, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. I just knew that I wanted to do something challenging, rewarding and with a good community surrounding it. I felt like all those things were encapsulated by the NROTC program. Our battalion overall is pretty small. Up until this year, we only had 25 midshipmen whereas other universities may have upwards of 150 midshipmen. It’s a small, tight-knit community compared to other programs across the country.” In addition to her military duties she volunteers locally at food banks and with STEM outreach programs.
Matthew Kolster from Creighton University represents Army ROTC honorees this year while pursuing studies in cybersecurity and cyber operations alongside computer science and criminal justice minors. Kolster participated in Project Global Officer in Amman, Jordan—an initiative focused on defense language proficiency—and attended specialized Army Special Forces training exercises known as Robin Sage. He commented: “I come from a proud military family. My father was a 20-year Veteran of the U.S. Navy so serving the military was something I grew up familiar with strongly appealed to me and is a key reason why I’m here in ROTC... My leadership style balances trying to step forward and be someone that others can follow... while maintaining humility.”
The three Students of the Year will be honored at the Go Bowling Military Bowl on December 27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis; their achievements will also be highlighted on ESPN during game coverage.
Since launching its scholarship program in 2018 nearly 1,800 students have been nominated by their institutions nationwide; total donations through scholarships now amount to $610,000.
Navy Federal Credit Union serves over 15 million members worldwide through more than 370 branches; it operates under Department of Defense authority for overseas banking access supporting active duty personnel abroad.