Winners announded for MCU Enlisted ‘Aspects of Leadership’ Essay Contest!!

November 17, 2025 | Kimberly Niero

Back in July 2025, Marine Corps University Press invited all enlisted Marines to submit essays for the Aspects of Leadership Essay Contest. This was the opportunity to reflect on experiences, insights, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about what it means to lead as an enlisted Marine.

Selected essays will be included in a new published volume of Aspects of Leadership. The Essay Prompt was "What are the most important qualities of an enlisted leader, and how have you seen them demonstrated—or had to develop them yourself—during your time as a Marine?"

Here are the top three Winners!

FIRST: MSgt Miguel A. Gutierrezgarcia, USMC for his essay "Not in History Books”

SECOND: MGySgt Isboset Rendonhoare, USMC for his essay "From Silver Nuggets to Nuggets of Wisdom”

THIRD: 1stSgt Chase McGrortyHunter, USMC for his essay "Leadership in the Quiet Moments"