MCALLEN – A Brownsville student under the GEAR UP program said he can’t wait to enter the Corps of Cadets at a very prestigious university.

Veterans Memorial High School senior Dalton St. Romain is Cadet Col. in the ROTC program and the Battalion Commander for his unit.

Dalton said he takes his job as the ROTC Battalion Commander very seriously.

He told CHANNEL 5 NEWS why he got involved in the ROTC program.

“When I got to high school I was not in ROTC, I played football my freshman year… But then when I was doing football camp, the first week I saw a bunch of guys in uniform marching with rifles pass us. And I said, ‘Who are those guys? Those guy look cool,’” he said. “And the first week of school they are all wearing this uniform. I said, ‘I would like to know more about this program.’”

The day we met Dalton was a big day for him.

“Most importantly, today is College Decision Day. And today I’m going to officially announce that I am committed to Texas A&M University… I am Dalton St. Romain, the loudest proudest member of the fighting Class of 2021!” he said.

GEAR UP facilitator Celina Barrera Scott said she knows how hard Dalton worked to get into his university of choice.

Scott said she remembers the day he attended a college selection boot camp.

“He and the A&M college recruiter, Oscar Lopez, hit it off. He was constantly asking him questions. He was constantly inquiring. And I knew he wanted to do some type of service in the military or continue his program either in ROTC because he’s done ROTC in all four years of high school. He was inquiring, asking ‘What program, what do I need to get in?’” she said.

Now that Dalton got accepted to Texas A&M University, he said he has big plans when he enters this August.

“A&M is an amazing school. It’s got the most tradition in Texas. It’s Texas’ oldest four-year university… It has the Corp Cadets, and I honestly can’t wait to be a part of something so big and so amazing. And I’m going to leave a mark in my legacy in my years at A&M,” he said.