Pushing High School Students to Their Limit at USCGA’s AIM

Hopewell, NJ resident Ben Markulec is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at the Virginia Military Institute. While at Hopewell Valley Central High School in NJ, Ben Markulec completed the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) summer program in 2017 at the USCG Academy.

AIM is a summer program that runs for one week and is limited to high school students entering their senior year. Students are exposed to life at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the program is considered the most realist summer orientation program among the service academies. There are six non-stop days of activities that push the participants to their limits and see first hand if the academy life is what they want from college.

Students experience leadership development, physical training, and military discipline. A day begins at 6:00 a.m. with reveille, exercise, classes, and other activities until lights out at 10:00 p.m. A typical week includes a ship or aircraft tour, exploring a ship simulator, shooting range practice, sailing, and an indoctrination test. For further information about AIM, visit www.uscga.edu/aim/.

The Benefits of Wrestling

A resident of Hopewell, NJ, Ben Markulec is working toward a BS in mechanical engineering at the Virginia Military Institute under a U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship. While at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ, Ben Markulec lettered four years as a varsity wrestler and was senior captain. He was also a two-time Mercer County champion.

There are numerous benefits to wrestling. One of the oldest sports in the world, it emphasizes control and discipline, not violence. Wrestling develops balance, reflexes, and agility, and strength in all primary muscle groups. Through wresting, athletes develop qualities including a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and self-esteem. Much of what is learned through wrestling can be applied to everyday life.

Wrestling teaches individuals to work through exhaustion and mental and physical pain, as well as about setting goals and how to reach them. It teaches people to overcome fear, disappointment, and failure. Wrestling also improves a person’s social development, through being part of a team and encouraging and getting encouragement from team members. At competitions, players also get to meet and interact with players from other teams.

Army ROTC Green to Gold Active Duty Program

After graduating from Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ, former varsity athlete Ben Markulec enrolled in the Virginia Military Institute. A native of Hopewell, NJ, Ben Markulec received a U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship, one of many college opportunities offered by the ROTC.

Eligible active duty soldiers can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree through the ROTC Gold to Green Active Duty program. After graduating, participants can advance to a position as a commissioned army officer. To be considered, applicants must have the physical and mental strengths required of commissioned officers and have the support of their commanding officers.

If accepted, program participants must complete their degree within 21 to 24 months and must agree to remain in the army for eight years, with at least three of these years in active duty. Candidates can choose from technical, linguistic, engineering, or medical programs of study. Participants are still eligible for their pay and allowances and can apply G.I Bill entitlements toward education costs.