On January 23, 2018, the City Council of San Diego honored YM/MSgt Sophia M. Righthouse by declaring it Sophia M. Righthouse Day. The proclamation was presented by Councilmember Chris Cate during a city council meeting, with Young Marines Division 6 Commanding Officer Wilson Lee, and dignitaries from the Poway School District, Girl Scouts USA, and San Diego Police Department in attendance.
YM/MSgt Righthouse was recognized for her heroism, bravery, and numerous accolades in the Young Marines, NJROTC, and Girl Scouts USA. On November 4, 2017, while en route to a Battalion Young Marine of the Year Board, YM/MSgt Righthouse noticed a structure fire in Rancho Pensaquitos. She acted swiftly and calmly, evacuating a condominium complex at great personal risk. She attributes her composed and professional response to her Young Marines training.
Councilmember Chris Cate praised her actions, stating, “I think it’s something that really is true bravery. For someone her age to have those instincts and to recall the training she received is something that not only kids her age but also adults need to take notice of.”
In the Young Marines, YM/MSgt Righthouse’s accomplishments are impressive. She earned Honor Graduate status during Recruit Training, Junior Leadership School, and Senior Leadership School, and she was named Young Marine of the Year at the unit, battalion, and regimental levels. She has completed over 600 community service hours, earned her 11th Perfect Physical Fitness Award, and founded the Valuing Our Veterans flagpole program, which provides 20-foot flagpoles to local military veterans. These flagpoles are installed by Young Marines and presented with a Color Guard ceremony.
At Westview High School, YM/MSgt Righthouse excels in Naval JROTC as a 4.0 student and cadet seaman. She earned the title of Honor Cadet in Basic Leadership Training and has been awarded a Certificate of Merit and the Meritorious Achievement Ribbon, the highest honor in JROTC. She serves as First Squad Leader and competes in physical fitness, academics, color guard, and unarmed drill as a member of the Field Meet Team.
In Girl Scouts USA, she continues her community service as a Senior Girl Scout, having earned the prestigious Bronze and Silver Awards.
Sophia M. Righthouse’s dedication and achievements are an inspiration to all, demonstrating the values of leadership, service, and bravery.