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Morgan Ulu first American Samoan recipient of Minuteman Scholarship

 PV2 Ulu and SFC Hoddle.
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — PV2 Morgan Ulu of Samoana High School has been awarded the 4-year Minuteman Scholarship from the Oregon Army National Guard. She will attend Southern Oregon University (SOU) and participate in ROTC beginning Fall 2019. This is according to SFC Sheri Hoddle, recruiting and retention NCO of the Oregon Army National Guard.

The 4-year scholarship, endorsed by the Adjutant General for Oregon, MG Michael E. Stencel, is only awarded to the Top 4 most qualified candidates. Ulu was awarded second out of eight, missing first place by just two points out of 800 total points.

When asked why she chose to join the Oregon Army National Guard, Ulu replied via electronic message, “I am grateful for the opportunities given to us as young people to excel and succeed in life — opportunities that our parents never had — and so my motivation is to pursue a life of service where I am able to make a difference, realize my full potential, and have a positive impact in society that honors not only my family, but my church, my village, and my community as a whole.”

According to SFC Hoddle, Ulu looks forward to participating in ROTC in the Fall and being a part of the ‘family spirit’ that she hears many people talk about in reference to SOU.

“I look forward to the challenges and love the discipline that is taught in the Armed Forces. I believe that it helps keep you grounded and appreciative of the fundamental values that is also evident in our Fa’aSamoa (Samoan culture); having respect for your elders, knowing and understanding your role, serving others before self, acknowledging and having a respect for God, family, and church,” Ulu said.

She will begin her education at SOU in the Fall of 2019 and will participate in ROTC in order to commission as a second lieutenant upon graduating college. She is the first American Samoan to receive the Minuteman Scholarship.