Student Spotlight: Danna Hernandez Madrid

“CONGRATULATIONS DANNA HERNANDEZ MADRID!” announced Master Chief Michael Campbell on ParentSquare. “Please join us in congratulating your very own BHS NJROTC Commanding Officer Danna Hernandez Madrid on earning a FOUR-YEAR Army ROTC Scholarship to University of Virginia! This incredible achievement reflects her outstanding leadership, academics, and dedication to service. UVA is gaining a proven leader, and the U.S. Army is gaining a future officer of character. Hooyah!”

Danna Hernandez Madrid is, in fact, an outstanding leader, excels academically and is dedicated to service. When she started out freshman year at Brewster High School, she had no interest in NJROTC or the Army and was a very reserved student; she barely spoke up in class.

What changed? Her older cousin, Kevin Madrid (BHS 2025), encouraged her to get involved in NJROTC. 

“Now I never stop talking!” said Hernandez.

Hernandez says her transformation is because of all the NJROTC leadership opportunities.

“First year I was the commander of the freshman drill team; sophomore year I was the senior commander of the drill team, and we went to many competitions; junior year I was the platoon commander and we got honor platoon; this year, senior year, I am the commanding officer of the entire unit. Along the way, I was trained by my superiors–other students–and I trained others; I learned so much. Knowing you have people to rely on and who rely on you is so important.

I am so grateful for all the responsibility, especially in preparation for college.”

Hernandez plans to study nursing at UVA. She is the first in her family to go to college, enlist in the Army and enter a medical field.

“Nursing is always something I’ve wanted to do–it’s a good balance,” she said. “I plan to join the Army Reserves, ROTC and a Simultaneous Membership Program in college–I will enlist and become an officer. My parents are one hundred percent excited for me.”

“That way, I will become an officer and get higher pay and more responsibilities. I have an eight-year commitment and will get my nursing degree fully paid for by scholarship,” said Hernandez.

Besides NJROTC, Hernandez is also involved with the Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, National Honor Society and Modern Language Honor Society.

Her favorite class at BHS is calculus because of teacher Lawrence Maggiotto.

“He’s an amazing teacher. And Master Chief. He’s been so great,” she said.

Brewster has prepared Hernandez well and she is ready for the next adventure.

“I have always lived in Brewster.. I wanted to go away to college but not too far. We visited UVA a few weeks ago with my family–it is so beautiful. We even went to Thomas Jefferson’s house-Monticello. It turns out my little sister knows a lot about Thomas Jefferson. I am excited to explore and try new things at college.”