Marines select Mtn. View HS student for prestigious military academy

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia (KTVZ) – The United States Marine Corps recently announced that Jacob Ashby of Mountain View High School in Bend has been selected for the 2020 Semper Fidelis All-American Program Battles Won Academy.

The academy, which was scheduled for July 9 through 13, in the District of Columbia, was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; however, the Marine Corps Recruiting Command continues to recognize the achievements of exemplary selected students like Ashby.

Ashby was selected not only for his athletic performance but for outstanding character, academic excellence and community leadership that reflects the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment.

Ashby chose his mentor, Benjamin Pierce, to also participate in this year’s social media and digital engagement activities, which are intended to recognize all of the Semper Fidelis All-Americans and their mentors.

“You’ve worked hard to accomplish your goals, serve others and make a positive contribution to our great nation,” Maj. Gen. James Bierman, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, said in a letter to the selected students. “Our staff of experienced Marines recognized your accomplishments as an exceptional scholar, a quality athlete and exemplary student leader in your school and community.”

The academy typically consists of a week in the nation’s capital with guest speakers, leadership lessons, community service, visits to some of America’s most iconic monuments and a day-long visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

Although the academy cannot be conducted in the same manner this year, the Semper Fidelis All-American Program coordinated an ongoing, interactive experience for approximately 100 top student leaders and their mentors that will allow them to be recognized for their achievements and share leadership lessons that will enhance their future success.

Over the coming weeks and months, these All-Americans from across the country will be part of social media and digital engagement activities, including taking part in video interviews and listening to their peers’ and mentors’ video interviews to learn lessons from others.

They will also receive public, in-school recognition when they return to classes in the fall. Further, each Semper Fidelis All-American will receive a letter of recommendation from Maj. Gen. Bierman, as well as a custom recognition package.

The Semper Fidelis All-American Program taps into the irreducible essence of the Marine Corps, which is the fighting spirit of every Marine. This essence is the willingness to engage and the determination to defeat an opposing force – whether personal or on behalf of our nation and its communities.

The United States Marine Corps acknowledges this same fighting spirit in each of the Semper Fidelis All-Americans, including Ashby, and wishes nothing but the best for their futures.

For more information about the program, visit https://sfaap.marines.com/.

For more information about becoming a Marine, visit https://www.marines.com/.