Valley students receive appointments to Naval Academy

Jeff Lautrup, a Colony High School senior, has earned and accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Ryan Kavalok, a Mat-Su Career and Technical High School 2016 graduate, also will attend USNA. Kavalok has been attending the University of Idaho since his high school graduation.

Both Valley residents will attend Induction Day in June and begin their education with a seven-week Plebe Summer course prior to starting their four-year bachelor of science degree in August.

The purpose of Plebe Summer is to lay the foundation of the Academy’s four-year professional development curriculum. At the conclusion of summer training, each Plebe class shall:

• Be indoctrinated in the traditions of the Naval Service and the Naval Academy;

Understand basic military skills and the meaning behind them;

• Appreciate the high standards and obligations inherent in service as a Midshipmen and Naval Officer;

• Be dedicated to excellence in a competitive atmosphere that fosters leadership, teamwork, character, and a passion for “winning;”

• Appreciate the importance of mental, moral, and physical toughness in all aspects of duty and service; and

• Be prepared to execute the rigorous academic year routine.

This year, Lautrup and Kavalok were two of about 17,000 students from throughout the nation who applied for one of approximately 1,200 appointments to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2021. The USNA is one of the most prestigious four-year college engineering schools in the Country. It is an elite college opportunity. The USNA graduates include a president, senators and top military and other governmental leaders. The admissions process is unique and requires each student to apply for and receive a nomination, most commonly from their congressman or senator, complete a thorough medical exam, and successfully pass a physical fitness evaluation in addition to the usual submission of transcripts, recommendations, and essays. Screening is thorough, with a focus on well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a willingness to accept responsibility, as well as outstanding academic credentials.

An appointment to the United States Naval Academy is equivalent to a full four-year scholarship including all tuition, room and board, medical and dental benefits and a monthly midshipman salary. After completing the four-year curriculum at the Naval Academy, students receive a bachelor of science degree in one of 23 majors and earn a commission as an officer in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

Colony and Mat-Su Career & Tech high schools should be very proud of Lautrup’s and Kavalok’s achievements. Actually, the whole community should be proud of these top young men of the Valley.

The mission of United States Naval Academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically, and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.

Dan F. Kennedy is a United States Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer volunteer.