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OPINION: U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY. Applicants are exceptional
Written by: DAN MCCARTHY | Publication: Florida Times Union
November 3, 2006 -
OPINIONAs director of military affairs for the city of Jacksonville, I was privileged to spend a day in Tallahassee interviewing 30 applicants for the U.S. Naval Academy as part of Sen. Mel Martinez's selection process.
The quality of the men and women seeking to attend the U.S. Naval Academy was amazing! The SAT scores of the group exceeded 1400, and all were top achievers in their peer group.
Those vying to attend included students at the head of their classes from Bolles, Paxon, Bishop Kenny, Wolfson, Orange Park and Fleming Island. Many had multiple language skills, were captains of varsity sports teams and displayed significant leadership in their school and community.
We interviewed Floridians attending school in China and Italy. We spoke to some whose parents are deployed to combat zones. Many told us that they had full scholarships to schools like Duke they were willing to forgo if admitted to the academy.
They fully appreciate and seek the challenges ahead at Annapolis and beyond.
They were asked if they understand that their service could lead to combat in the war on terrorism. They responded that they would perform all duties assigned with pride. Their enthusiasm and patriotism radiated.
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