Student earns $166K scholarship

HURON — A soon-to-be Huron High School graduate was awarded more than $160,000 toward a full college scholarship through the U.S. Army Reserve. On Tuesday, Huron High School senior Hayden Roshong, 18, was awarded a four-year Minuteman scholarship by the Kentucky Army National Guard totaling $166,000. Roshong is attending the University of Kentucky and will enroll in their Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) program. The Minuteman program is a Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarship. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees or $10,000 per year toward room and board at any college or university served by an Army ROTC program. While attending the University of Kentucky, Hayden's tuition will be fully paid by the Kentucky Army National Guard. Her room, board and books will be covered by the Army ROTC program. "It's really important because I want to help my family out, too. I have three siblings. So it's important for me to do my part," Hayden said. "I really want to have a career in the Army." Hayden said she will be the first woman in her family to be in the military. She plans to receive an undergraduate education in preparation for veterinarian school with the eventual goal of joining the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. Hayden also participated in volleyball, swim team and track, is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered for 4-H camps. She is also graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her mother, Alicia Roshong, said her daughter is someone who leads by example. "When she's done with college, she wants to serve in the Vet Corps. The Army is the only division of the military that services animals, ranging from dolphins and seagulls to horses," Alicia said. "There are a lot of kids who can't afford to go to school, but if they want to serve this is a big opportunity, there are scholarships you can get." During Hayden's years at the University of Kentucky, she will endure rigorous mental and physical training to prepare her to become a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard. Hayden is also attending the same college as her twin brother, Ridge. "It's a really nice program and it felt very inviting to me, versus some other places," Hayden said. "As a woman, especially, I want to be in a good, comfortable environment with the military." Hayden said she's most looking forward to an opportunity to become her own person and grow into the person she wants to be. Huron High School principal Tim Lamb said Hayden was surprised to earn the award, as she was not aware she had been awarded the scholarship prior. "Hayden is a wonderful individual and involved in everything. She volunteers and is a great kid, all around," Lamb said. "It doesn't surprise us at all that she's getting this award. She's a great role model." -- Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.