ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A Cornell student is receiving national recognition.

Navy Midshipman Kylie Williamson has been selected as one of 15 finalists for the Navy Federal Credit Union ROTC All-American Scholarship Program.

The scholarship program highlights ROTC seniors across the country who embody the program’s pillars of leadership, military excellence, scholarship, and service. In her free time, Williamson volunteers at a food bank, mentors youth in STEM education, and coaches swimming.

Williamson is pursuing a bachelor’s in physics and aspires to be a nuclear submarine officer. University officials say Williamson is on track to be selected as NROTC battalion commander this year.

“Coming to college, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life,” Williamson said. “I just knew that I wanted to do something that was challenging but rewarding, but also had a good community surrounding it, and I felt after reading the email that all of those things were encapsulated by the Navy ROTC program.”

The Big Red senior will receive a $2,500 scholarship as a finalist, as well as a $1,500 donation to Cornell’s ROTC Booster Club or Student Fund. Three of the 15 candidates will receive the top honor, which comes with a $6,500 scholarship and a $5,000 donation to their Booster Club or Student Fund.

Additionally, winners will be honored during the ESPN college football broadcast of the Go Bowling Military Bowl in December.