Lapeer High School Assistant Principal Robin Caporuscio believes it’s vital for school administrators to possess a strong understanding of the wide array of opportunities available to students. 

During a recent conversation with a United States Marine Corps recruiter at LHS, she felt compelled to learn more about what’s out there for students interested in military service. With that in mind, she applied and was accepted to attend an educator’s workshop at Parris Island, South Carolina. 

“I didn’t have a lot of personal knowledge about the military and I’m aware that quite a few Lapeer graduates enter the armed forces,” said Caporuscio, a triathlete who relished the challenge of boot camp. “I felt this (educator’s) workshop would provide me with the chance to see up close the opportunities that are our there for our students.”

As with many high-level programs, the military is  being more selective in their processes, often giving preference to those who serve. 

“I always knew about the GI Bill, but I wasn’t aware that college degrees could be earned and paid for during active duty,” she said. “The other thing that stood out to me is the great pride and determination of the Marine Corps. We asked the general if any recruits fail, and he said, ‘only if they quit. If they don’t quit, we will get them there.’”  

Caporuscio said that approach is something she and her fellow educators try to communicate to students every day. Now, after her experience with the Marine Corps, she has much more to say.

“The military has a place for everyone,” she said. “We often think of just infantry and fighting as the sole route of a member of the service, but there are so many other fields from cyber security to mechanics, to playing an instrument in the band. There’s a vast array of options.”

There are four different kinds of educators workshops hosted annually. Educators from priority colleges and universities have options to attend the Educators, Coaches or Music Educators workshops hosted at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Educators from high schools may attend an Educators Workshops hosted at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.

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