In a surprise announcement, Harrison High School senior Noah Praser learned he had earned the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Joseph C. Gilliam Academic Achievement Award for area 9.

Cadet Praser, who serves as the unit’s executive officer, is the first cadet from the North Cobb-Harrison NJROTC program to receive the elite scholarship. Last year, a student from Hillgrove High School won the 2023 Joseph C. Gilliam Academic Achievement Award.

The Gilliam Award recognizes the top cadets from each of the 23 NJROTC areas and is highly competitive. Senior Naval Science instructors from around the country are only able to nominate one cadet from their program each year. The award is based on the cadets’ demonstrated leadership, academic record, community service, and essays.

“I am honored to have been chosen from such an incredible group of people for this year’s Joseph C. Gilliam Award. I have strived to work hard and excel academically, athletically, and in leadership positions throughout my high school experience,” Cadet Praser said. “I owe a special thanks to my parents for the love and foundation of excellence they provided to make me the young man I am today and my NJROTC instructors – 1stSgt Dickerson and CDR Pascoe for the amazing support and encouragement to pursue my dreams over the past few years.”

The award was established more than 40 years ago to honor outstanding cadets who balance exemplary work in their Navy JROTC activities with excellence in academics. As a recipient of the award, Cadet Praser also received a certificate and a $500 scholarship from the Hibbard Foundation. This award was established over 40 years ago to honor outstanding Cadets who achieve exemplary work in the NJROTC program and excellence in academics.

In addition to earning the top NJROTC scholarship, Cadet Praser earned appointments to two service academies. In the fall, he will attend the United States Naval Academy as a midshipman.

Beyond academics and his athletic accomplishments with the Varsity Track and Field team and varsity Orienteering team, Cadet Praser has given back to the community with more than 300 community service hours. 

“Noah is an outstanding cadet and a shining example of leadership to all our cadets throughout Georgia. He is truly the best of the best and will continue to excel after graduation as he moves on to the United States Naval Academy to embark on his journey to become a Naval Officer. I can think of no cadet more deserving of this recognition,” said retired U.S. Navy Commander Phil Pascoe, North Cobb-Harrison’s Senior Naval Science Instructor.