Kingsley Cadet Earns Full-Ride Army ROTC Scholarship

By Gunnery Sergeant Mathew Barr

Kingsley Naval JROTC Instructor

mbarr@kingsleyschools.org

KHS and the Stag Battalions are proud to announce that our Cadet Command Master Chief Braden Marsh has earned an Army ROTC scholarship for college, a highly competitive full-ride scholarship that reflects his outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service.

As the senior enlisted leader of the unit, Cadet Marsh has consistently set the standard for professionalism, mentorship, and accountability, earning the respect of both peers and instructors.

He now faces an exciting decision as he considers attending Michigan State University (MSU) or Western Michigan University, Coast Guard Academy, and he has already been accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Flight School, a testament to his drive and future aspirations.

This achievement marks a major milestone in his journey and highlights a very bright future ahead.  

Braden, pictured front left, during the NJROTC Inspection in February 2025.

About the Kingsley High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps

Kingsley High School NJROTC was inaugurated in fall of 2024 and is the first unit in Michigan north of Flint. In just two years, the unit has earned national recognition, regional acclaim, and several individual and unit awards; including advancing to the National Academic Competition, setting records at the Cadet Leadership Challenge at Fort Custer, and impressing high-ranking military leaders during their unit inspection ceremonies.

Having an NJROTC in Kingsley has been a dream years in the making for teacher Kristen Bauer, who was instrumental in bringing the program to the district. Instructor GySgt. Mathew Barr spent 15 years in the Marines and was deployed to 40+ countries and brings a wealth of knowledge to the class. The curriculum is based in naval science but includes topics like history, strategy, navigation, astronomy, engineering, and military tactics, plus field trips to military bases and frequent community volunteer projects.

Learn more about Kingsley’s NJROTC here.