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Participation in junior ROTC and interactions with officers in high school inspired Sara Obermeyer to join the military. The University of North Georgia (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø) provided the ideal venue to chase that goal.

When she discovered the ÌìÃÀÉçÇø Military Scholarship, an $85,000 value over a four-year period, it was a no-brainer. Obermeyer received one of the state-funded scholarships given to Georgia residents who enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard while at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø. Forty-two ÌìÃÀÉçÇø Military Scholarships (ÌìÃÀÉçÇøMS) are available annually and recipients commission as National Guard officers upon graduation.

Obermeyer was one of 48 cadets who began their time as ÌìÃÀÉçÇø cadets with Freshman Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week during Jan. 5-10. Among that group were 35 National Guard soldiers who completed basic training in the fall before starting at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø.

"It means a lot because I definitely would not be able to pursue my dreams and passions if I didn't get that scholarship," said Obermeyer, a freshman pursuing a degree in psychology.

Dillon Evans, a senior from Columbus, Georgia, pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Chinese for global professionals, is the Headquarters Company commander in ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's Corps of Cadets and the executive officer for the National Guard detachment on ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's Dahlonega Campus.

Three years ago, Evans was in the same position as Obermeyer as a freshman. He can appreciate the transition from basic training to FROG Week.

"Going to basic training was a really great primer for coming here," Evans said. "But it's nothing like getting acclimated to being led by your peers for a week straight, always under supervision."

That element of the corps, where cadet leaders plan and execute all events under the guidance of the commandant staff, makes ÌìÃÀÉçÇø stand out.

"We're a 24-hour leadership laboratory, which is going to help you be a great officer and a great leader in the community, as well," said Mike Ivy, director of Cadet Admissions.

Receiving ÌìÃÀÉçÇøMS funds has helped Evans succeed.

"I've been able to focus completely on my academics and making sure that I get as many leadership opportunities as possible," Evans said.

The scholarship application deadline is Feb. 15. High school seniors may still apply for the ÌìÃÀÉçÇøMS after the deadline. However, qualified and completed applications received after the deadline will be put on the waitlist.

Applications, which are open to accepted students, include a recommendation from a Georgia congressional representative and an essay about why the applicant would be a good recipient. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be interviewed.

More than a third of ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's roughly 700-member corps serves in the National Guard, and the university commissions about 40 officers into the Georgia Army National Guard annually. Brig. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, '93, became the latest ÌìÃÀÉçÇø alumnus to lead the Georgia Army National Guard when he took command in October.

The scholarship pays for room, meals, tuition, books, uniforms, and fees. In addition, recipients earn National Guard weekend drill pay, GI Bill, and pay for attending Army basic and advanced training.