"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - ROTC Helps Sequoyah Senior

***"Ashley Ross, Sequoyah Schools’ senior, competing in a cross-country competition."***

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Ashley Ross, a senior at Sequoyah Schools, is the recipient of a four-year college scholarship courtesy of the United States Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program. The scholarship, valued at more than $80,000, will provide her with tuition, books, and a living stipend while she pursues her bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas.

“I’ve always wanted to go to the University of Arkansas,” Ross said. “I’m kind of a track nerd and they always have a really good running team. ROTC will be a good way for me to have leadership experiences and it’s a way to pay for college. A lot of people think the Army is all about war, but there are a lot of career opportunities that go along with it.”

The self-proclaimed “track nerd” has run track and cross-country for Sequoyah Schools for the last four years and plans to join the U of A team as a walk-on runner in August. Her running career at Sequoyah has earned her a total of 91 medals, plaques and trophies including the honor of being a four-time All-State runner. She currently holds the school record for running the fastest mile, with a time of 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

“She’s very hard working and confident,” said Sam Horsechief, Sequoyah Schools’ track and cross-country coach. “A lot of the things that she has accomplished are things that she has set out to do. She is good at accomplishing her goals.”

“I’m extremely proud of Ashley’s determination to pursue her career interests,” said Augusta Smith, Sequoyah Schools’ college prep class teacher. “Ashley works hard, and has been actively seeking scholarships throughout this school year. She is very goal-oriented. Whether it is in her running activities, or her academics, Ashley will always give her best effort. I anticipate great things for Ashley.”

While running is a big part of her life, it’s not all of it. Ross is also a member of the Sequoyah Schools’ Boys and Girls Club, National Honor Society and is in the gifted and talented photography class, where she has earned state-wide awards for her photography.

“I came to school at Sequoyah to run,” Ross said. “A lot of people think that running is just putting one foot in front of the other, but it’s a lot more than that. You have to have your mind set on what you are going to do. When you run cross-country, you are miles away from everyone and you are the only one that can make yourself do it. You have to be mentally tough.”

Her mental toughness will be put to the test. In exchange for the ROTC scholarship, Ross must commit to eight years of service in the Army. While in college, she must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and participate in physical training activities.

Ross has also been invited to compete in the 2009 Down Under International Games in Australia this June.

Ross, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is the daughter of John and Sandra Ross of Vian.