About Jean K. Weil
Jean K. Weil was the co-founder of Sports Network International and the heart behind the Nationals until her passing in 1999. A true graduate of the school of hard knocks, Jean left high school early to help support her family in Oklahoma. Despite this early sacrifice, her life became a testament to perseverance and creativity. She was an accomplished seamstress, designed and built many homes—much of it with her own hands—owned a fabric store, and taught hundreds how to create their own designer clothing. A world-class chef, devoted mother, and loving grandmother, Jean poured her heart into everything she touched. She saw the vision of what SNI could become and worked her magic behind the scenes to help guide it to greatness.
Her life was a constant pursuit of learning and mastering everything she could. She was a sensitive and reserved woman with a remarkable ability to make everything more beautiful. Though she always admired those with the opportunity to achieve a college degree and often wished she had the chance to pursue higher education herself, she never let that stop her from achieving excellence in all her endeavors. Those who have attended the Nationals may recognize the iconic eagle banner hanging in the main hall of the Ocean Center—a beautiful piece of art hand-stitched by Jean that lives on as a reminder of her artistic heart and giving nature.
"I've always loved the day before Nationals begins. I imagine all those cadets traveling on buses or planes full of the excitement and anticipation of what is to come. That's why I want it to be as special as it can be.....for them."
— Jean K. Weil
These scholarships are awarded in her loving memory.
Scholarship Overview
Beginning in 2001, Sports Network International founded the Jean K. Weil Memorial Scholarship to help college-bound seniors attending the National High School Drill Team Championships defray some of the high costs of tuition, books, and other barriers to entry. We are proud to have awarded over $50,000 in scholarships since the award's inception. Jean Weil's memory lives on in each of these cadets as they pursue the dream of higher education.
2 Awards
Scholarships awarded annually
$1,000 Each
Scholarship value
One-Time Award
For freshman year
College Expenses
Books, room, tuition, etc.
Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients
Two Outstanding Cadets
Recognized for Excellence in Leadership, Academics, and Service
Sophia Nicole Arizmendi
Marie Elen Garza
Eligibility Requirements
Any graduating, college-bound high school senior attending an accredited, four-year college/university on a full-time basis who will be attending the National High School Drill Team Championships is eligible to receive this award.
Specific Entry Criteria:
- Must be currently enrolled in at least 2nd year of JROTC
- Must be on the drill team/color guard competing at Nationals
- Minimum G.P.A. of 3.0
- Minimum SAT of 980 OR minimum ACT of 19
- Letter of recommendation from senior instructor
- Letter from one other (non JROTC) teacher or administrator
- Photo in uniform and copy of transcript
- Essay (minimum 500 typed words)
Essay Topic
"What have you learned about leadership and how would you use this scholarship and these skills to make your mark in the world?"
Important Dates
Key deadlines and dates
Application Deadline
Early March each year
Finalist Notification
April 15th (mail and social media)
Final Interviews
Conducted on-site at Nationals
Submission Requirements
How to apply
Complete Package Required
Submit ALL materials in ONE package - no partial submissions accepted
- Maximum of two cadets per school
- Must be nominated by senior instructor
- Include letter of college intent or acceptance
- Application package must be submitted via email to brie@thenationals.net
Selection Process
Initial Review
The scholarship packages from every cadet are given to each member of the Scholarship Review Committee. Each member independently reviews the entire package and produces a score, ranking each cadet from top-to-bottom.
The five cadets with the top aggregate scores are selected to move into the final phase - participation in an on-site interview.
Final Interview
The final interview is 15-20 minutes in length and is conducted one-on-one with a Committee member. Questions on virtually any topic may be asked, including background, high school experiences, world affairs, and future goals.
This is not a "needs" based scholarship, however questions surrounding financial means may be asked.
What We Look For
Qualities of successful scholarship candidates
Team Activity
Very active on their drill team with demonstrated commitment
Academic Excellence
High academic credentials on transcripts and standardized tests
Writing Skills
Well-spoken with solid writing abilities demonstrated in essays
Well-Rounded
Balanced involvement in multiple activities and interests
Strong References
Excellent letters of recommendation from instructors and faculty
Leadership
Demonstrated leadership skills and potential for future impact
Scholarship Recipients
Celebrating the achievements of our scholarship winners
Honoring Excellence
Each year, two outstanding cadets are selected to receive the Jean K. Weil Memorial Scholarship, recognizing their dedication to excellence in drill team competition and their commitment to higher education.
Winners are announced during the Awards Ceremony at the National High School Drill Team Championships, celebrating not just their competitive achievements but their potential for future leadership and success.
See Past RecipientsReady to Apply?
Start your application today and take the first step toward achieving your educational dreams with the support of the Jean K. Weil Memorial Scholarship.
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brie@thenationals.net