When students consider life after high school, they often think about college, joining the workforce or serving in the military. For Parkwood High School senior Destayech Rivers, her path includes a combination of higher education, military training and a future in service.

Destayech was awarded a full college scholarship through the United States Marine Corps and will attend the University of New Mexico, where she plans to study criminal justice and participate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). After college, she will officially join the Marine Corps as a military police officer, with aspirations of becoming a detective.

It’s a plan fueled by discipline, determination and a desire to lead.

“I have a lot of family in the military, mostly Army,” Destayech said. “But no one has joined the Marine Corps. I wanted to challenge myself—to go for the hardest and the best. The Marines represent that for me.”

A leader built through JROTC and sport

Destayech’s four-year involvement in Parkwood’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program has been more than a class—it’s been a transformation.

“JROTC taught me how to lead and follow, how to put others before myself and always do what’s right, even when no one’s looking,” she said.

She’s taken that mindset beyond the classroom. Whether on the field with her school’s athletic teams or encouraging teammates during practice, Destayech pushes herself and others to reach further.

“I’ve always been driven by challenge. Sports and JROTC have pushed me beyond limits I never imagined possible,” she said. “If I were going through life on my own, I wouldn’t push myself as much as these programs have.”

Wearing many hats, carrying big dreams

Between her commitments to JROTC, athletics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Bible study and a part-time job, Destayech’s schedule is fully booked.

“Sometimes it’s stressful and exhausting,” she admitted with a laugh. “But I try to plan my week and spread things out. Sports take up a big part of my day, and I usually work at night. JROTC in senior year is more about overseeing, so I’ve found a balance.”

Her involvement in FCA, she said, is a spiritual anchor.

“Wednesdays can be tough, right in the middle of the week. But FCA gives me a boost—it’s this bond with other believers that reminds me I’m not alone.”

A future in investigation

Though military service is her immediate path, Destayech is already looking toward the future—and it’s in law enforcement.

She hopes to pursue a degree in criminal justice, serve as a military police officer in the Marine Corps and then become a detective.

“I want to work in investigation—figuring things out, solving cases and helping bring justice,” she said. “It’s always been interesting to me, and I like the idea of doing something that makes a difference.”

Inspiring the next generation

Outside of school, Destayech volunteers her time to local soccer and volleyball clubs, helping coach younger children.

“It’s made me more mindful of how I act—kids watch everything. I try to be a good example,” she said. “And I just love being around them. They’re so sweet and full of energy.”

Her leadership was recently recognized when she was named one of the top two performers during a high-level JROTC military inspection—an honor she didn’t even know existed.

“I was just standing there, and when they called my name, I was like, ‘Me?!’” she recalled with a wide smile. “I’ll never forget that moment.”

Taking to the skies

Among Destayech’s most surprising accomplishments was being accepted into a competitive program to earn her private pilot’s license.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d get it. I just applied and hoped,” she said. “When I got the news, it was amazing. I love flying—it might not be a job for me, but it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

Oh—and she’s also driven a Humvee for the Army.

“Not everyone can say that,” she said, laughing.

The lesson she hopes others learn

Asked what lesson from JROTC she believes everyone should carry with them, regardless of their path, Destayech didn’t hesitate.

“Put others before yourself,” she said. “Whether you’re in school, in the military or anywhere in life, that mindset will carry you far. My coach always says, ‘We over me.’ That’s something I try to live by.”

Guided by discipline, compassion and drive, Destayech is stepping into her next chapter—one where service leads the way.

06/09/2025