It was a proud moment for Lucy Boyles of Conway Springs High School when Marine Corps Captain Donlon entered her school to present her with a four-year NROTC full-ride scholarship.

Month’s earlier the senior has applied for the NROTC Marine Option Scholarship online. As a student-athlete at Conway Spring, Boyles is used to competing. She is a member of the tennis, track and powerlifting teams while participating in band, Scholar’s Bowl, Student Council, National Honor Society and serves as the president of the 4-H Club. Living and working on the family farm raising Boer goats and brome hay has kept her busy. But Boyles wanted something more and she found it in the Marines.

The process started with an online application which included the necessary transcripts and recommendations Boyles needed to get past the first phase.

“I’ve wanted to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and participate in the NROTC program with the Marine option,” said Boyles. “I want to major in Forensic Science.”

Once the application was accepted, Boyles traveled to Oklahoma City where she could do the physical fitness portion of the application. She had to do pullups, sit ups and run three miles, all of which were timed.  Then she had to do an interview. Once that portion was complete the candidates for the scholarship were reviewed taking all of the applicants in for consideration.   

On December 9, 2020 Capt. Donlon came to Lucy’s Conway Springs High School with the local recruiter to present Boyles with the scholarship. A small presentation was made in front of some of her classmates due to COVID-19 protocol.

“After I graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln I will be commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant,” said Boyles.

Boyles is known as a hard worker and her parents are immensely proud of what she has accomplished. Congratulations to Lucy Boyles on winning the NROTC Marine Option Scholarship and best of luck in your future endeavors with the United States Marine Corps.