Webberville High School Senior Accepts Appointment to the United States Naval Academy

January 2005

 

Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office contacted Ross Skilling, senior at Webberville High School, to congratulate him on receiving his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. This past year, 14,425 students applied to the United States Naval Academy and of those, only 1,227 were actually admitted to the academy. Skilling received a nomination to the USNA from both Senator Stabenow and Congressmen Mike Rogers. Skilling commented, “The education, training, and discipline I will receive from the USNA will best prepare me for service as a naval officer and pilot.”

 

The process for acceptance into the United States Naval Academy is a very rigorous one. A student must receive both a nomination and an appointment (offer of admissions) in order to attend a service academy. For the nomination there is an application process which includes writing essays. If an applicant qualifies, he is given an interview with his congressman or senator’s nomination committee.

 

At the same time a student is applying for the nomination they must also apply directly to the academy for an appointment. If the information provided in the preliminary application indicates the student’s record is strong enough, he will become an official candidate for admission.

 

All candidates are required to undergo a thorough medical examination. The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board conducts the medical examination and determines if a candidate meets USNA medical standards for admission. In addition, every candidate also goes through a physical aptitude exam. The purpose of the test is to evaluate coordination, strength, speed, agility and endurance. 

 

Skilling said he knew for sure that he wanted to attend the USNA after attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar program for juniors. He stated, “If you think you might be interested in the USNA, attend the summer seminar program to make sure the academy is really the right place for you.”

 

In addition to Skilling, Webberville High School senior Dan Benjamin received a nomination from Congressman Mike Rogers to attend the United States Merchant Marines Academy. Benjamin is in the process of completing his application for a possible appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.