Recipients

The recipient of the 2024 Peterson Award recipient has been selected and will be announced by the University of Wisconsin–Madison NROTC unit at the Spring Ball on April 27, 2024!

2023 - Midshipman Second Class Benjamin Torine

Midshipman Torine is a model Midshipman, who has excelled in every facet of his training and education. He joined the program as a College Programmer, and earned a scholarship after demonstrating his potential. He does an outstanding job of keeping the mood light in any room, and leads by example at all times. He is also the 2023 Spring Ball Coordinator and served as a Division Officer. He will graduate next spring and plans to join the Surface Warfare community. Midshipman Torine demonstrates a high standard of character and ethics far ahead of his peers, which exemplifies the enduring spirit synonymous with this award.

2022 - Midshipman Second Class Sawyer Blazar

Midshipman Blazar volunteered for significant work and responsibilities behind the scenes. In Fall 2021, he was a troop handler during the annual Battalion Field Exercise — designed as a mini indoctrination to military life for freshmen students before they enter ROTC. He was also the Parking Lots OIC — the sole person responsible for all of the battalion's fundraising for the year. He did all of this while also being a Midshipman Division Officer. Finally, in Spring 2022, he is currently serving as a Midshipman Department Head.

2021 - Staff Sergeant Maichelo "Mike" Bolaños, USMC

SSgt Bolaños is a Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) student from Wheeling, IL. He has consistently been a crucial worker and participant in the battalion, serving as Semper Fi President during Fall 2020. A December 2021 graduate with a degree in Political Science, SSgt Bolaños will attend The Basic School (TBS) in 2022.

2020 - Midshipman First Class Nora Stolley

Midshipman Stolley is a Navy Option student from Burnsville, MN. has served in numerous billets during her 3 years in the Naval ROTC program. She has served as a Division Officer, Battalion Command Master Chief, and is currently serving as a Department Head. Midshipman Stolley is a May 2021 graduate majoring in Biochemistry, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and cumulative aptitude of 3.75. Upon graduation, Midshipman Stolley will serve as a Surface Warfare Officer.

2019 - Midshipman Second Class Nicholas Iacovo

Midshipman Iacovo is a Navy Option student from Phoenix, AZ. Midshipman lacovo displayed superior character and ethics during the summer while serving as a Midshipman Instructor at the firstever, two-week long Naval ROTC New Student Indoctrination training program at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL. He was hand-selected to serve in this esteemed billet due to his maturity and professionalism. He currently serves as the Bravo Company Commander and is a strong candidate for our highest leadership positions next year. A May 2020 graduate and Statistics major, Midshipman Iacovo desires to serve in Naval Aviation.

2018 - Midshipman Second Class Raquelle Sands

Midshipman Sands is a Navy Option student from Northville, Michigan. Midshipman Sands displayed superior character and ethics during the last semester. She currently serves as the Alpha Company, First Sergeant, and is a strong candidate for our highest leadership positions next year. A May 2019 graduate and Economics major, Midshipman Sands desires to serve as a Surface Warfare Officer.

2017 - Midshipman Second Class Jacob Fuiten

Midshipman Fuiten is a Marine Option student from Menomonee Falls, WI. Midshipman Fuiten displayed superior character and ethics during the last semester while caring for an injured midshipman. He currently serves as the Alpha Company, Second Platoon Sergeant, and is a strong candidate for our highest leadership positions next year. A May 2018 graduate and International Studies major, Midshipman Fuiten desires to serve in Marine Aviation.

2016 - Midshipman Second Class Dominique Bowers

Midshipman Bowers is a Navy Option student from Grove Heights, Minnesota. She is a Nuclear Engineering major with a 3.19 cumulative grade point average. A December 2017 graduate, Midshipman Bowers will participate in service selection next summer, and desires to serve in submarines. She is a standout performer in the Badger Battalion and is highly respected by her peers. Midshipman Bowers maintains the highest standard of character and ethics, and currently serves as the Bravo Company First Sergeant. She is a strong candidate for the unit's highest leadership positions next year.

2015 - Midshipman First Class Kyle Burke

Midshipman Burke is a four-year Naval ROTC scholarship student who maintains a grade point average of 3.227 while majoring in Civil Engineering. Midshipman Burke maintains a high standard of character and ethics far ahead of his peers, which exemplifies the enduring spirit synonymous with this award. Midshipman Burke will participate in service selection in the early fall, and desires to be screened as a submarine officer. He is a standout performer in the Badger Battalion and is highly respected by his peers. He currently serves as the Battalion Operations Officer and is a strong candidate for the Battalion's highest leadership positions in the Fall 2015 semester.

2014 - Midshipman First Class Joel Vircks

Midshipman Vircks is a Navy option scholarship student who maintains a grade point average of 3.01 while majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Midshipman Vircks demonstrates a high standard of character and ethics far ahead of his peers, which exemplifies the enduring spirit synonymous with this award. Update: Midshipman Vircks has been selected for redesignation to Naval Aviation, and reported for training at NAS Pensacola, FL.

2013 - Midshipman First Class Matthew DeHart

Midshipman DeHart is a Navy option scholarship student who maintains a grade point average of 3.70 while majoring in Nuclear Engineering. Midshipman DeHart demonstrates a high standard of character and ethics far ahead of his peers, which exemplifies the enduring spirit synonymous with this award.

2012 - Midshipman First Class Eamon Hegarty

Midshipman Hegarty is a Marine option scholarship student who maintains a grade point average of 3.70 while majoring in Languages and Cultures of Asia. Midshipman Hegarty demonstrates a high standard of character and ethics far ahead of his peers, which exemplifies the enduring spirit synonymous with this award.

2011 - Midshipman Second Class William Springer

Midshipman Springer is a Marine Option scholarship student from St Croix Falls, WI, who maintains a grade point average of 3.39 with a Dairy Science (pre vet) major. Midshipman Springer demonstrates a high standard of character and ethics far ahead of his peers, which exemplifies the enduring spirit synonymous with this award.