Henrico student one of two to earn Virginia War Memorial scholarship

A Henrico County high school student was one of two recipients of the 2022 Virginia War Memorial’s Marocchi Memorial Scholarships.

Danielle Kruise, a senior at Hermitage High School who will attend Liberty University this fall and enroll in the U.S. Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program, earned $2,500, as did Yanik Alex Brandon, a senior at Charlottesville High School.

Virginia War Memorial Director Clay Mountcastle recognized both scholarship recipients at the 66th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony in Richmond May 30.

“We are always proud to honor our Marocchi Scholarship winners during the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony,” said Mountcastle. “These young men and women represent the ideal of service to our Nation, which is first and foremost on our minds on this very special day.”

The scholarship was established in memory of the late Rear Admiral John Marocchi of Rappahannock County by his family and other donors and are administered by the Virginia War Memorial Foundation.

Marocchi served in the United States Navy for decades in a career that spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Legion of Merit and was one the few Navy officers to complete Army Airborne training. He was also a member of the Virginia War Memorial Board of Trustees for more than 15 years.

Marocchi Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually by the Virginia War Memorial. Students enrolled in the senior class of an accredited public or private high school or home school program in Virginia and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application may apply.

Applicants must also plan to pursue a program of study in a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at a Virginia public or private university that will lead to service in the Armed Forces of the United States. They also must also possess an unweighted minimum grade point average of 2.75. A committee reviews the applications and chooses the top applicant or applicants. Since 2021, Marocchi Memorial Scholarships are also available to Virginia students currently enrolled in a Virginia college or university and are currently participating in a ROTC program.

Applications for the 2023 Marocchi Memorial Scholarships will open in September.