NJROTC C/Captain Gracie Hudson receives her United States Navy Scholarship at the Fort Lauderdale High School Flying L’s Battalion Awards Night.

C/Captain Gracie Hudson  will graduate this year with a full-ride Naval Reserve Officer Corps Scholarship to the University of South Florida. She was awarded a $200,000 Scholarship at the Flying L’s Battalion 49th Annual Awards Night, where she was also promoted to the rank of C/Captain, another momentous achievement. 

Hudson joined the High School program in 2019, after attending the Open House and being in awe of how helpful and caring the NJROTC Cadets were. 

“Well, I’ve always loved a good uniform- the idea of looking so organized, sharp, and official has intrigued me for as long as I can remember, and a uniform is a great unifying factor,” said Hudson. “When I first came to the open house with my mom in eighth grade, there were NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) cadets in uniform assisting us around campus. They were so friendly and helpful, and I think that is what drew me into our program, alongside the desire to feel a part of a helpful, self-development organization.”

Hudson chose to apply to an NROTC program because of the amount of culture and history she had learned and experienced throughout her years in the NJROTC program

“Throughout my four years of NJROTC, I’ve noticed my love of Navy culture. From the lingo to the Navy’s mission of defending the US by sea, as well as all of the experiences and stories I’ve heard from my Awesome and supportive NJROTC instructor Chief Tyson for the last four years and most recently Lieutenant Commander Coyle,” Hudson explained. “I have grown an immense appreciation for the branch; I also remember the great excitement I have always felt when I have had the opportunity to see and in a few lucky cases visit US Navy ships, and how there’s almost a homey, wonderful feeling like ‘I could see myself making a difference here’.”

While in college, Hudson hopes to pursue a degree in Criminology. She hopes that in the future she can help protect and serve others, by working in the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Naval Crime Investigation Service. She also seeks to acquire a master’s degree in her desired field. 

“[…] I will be attending USF for Criminology as a member of their Navy Reserve Officer Training program […],” she expressed. “After serving in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, I plan to become an agent or crime scene analyst with a Federal Crime fighting/prevention agency, such as NCIS or the FBI. I hope to obtain a master’s degree in the criminology field and my overall goal is to find a job where I can help protect and serve others.”

Hudson’s friends and classmates admire her compassion and positive influence.  

“She is a great and kind person, who sets an excellent example for her friends and other people,” said Nina Harbour…t (11).  “She is also a very caring person and always makes other people smile.” 

“She has been an excellent co-worker, and I feel like I can depend on her and she has taught me many different skills. She has helped me be more out there, and have better connections with others,” said fellow  C/Commander Kaylah Vilca (12).

FLHS’ Lieutenant Commander Bryan Coyle sees a bright future for Hudson.  

“In an environment and culture where everyone seems to be out for themselves and focused on “me”, Gracie Hudson sets an example for others through her genuine care and concern, and leadership style that includes these qualities,” he said. “[…] I have no question in my mind that she will do well in college and that the Navy will be improved with her joining the junior officer ranks when she graduates.”

FLHS sends off Hudson with pride.