Service Academy day set for April 20
Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) will host a Congressional Service Academy information session for Second District students interested in applying to one of the nation’s service academies.
“This is a chance for students, parents and school counselors to come and get the information they need on the service academies and the types of candidates they are looking for,” said Mullin. “We have some very talented and bright students in the Second District and I hope they will take advantage of this opportunity.”
The meeting will be held Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Administration Building of Northeastern State University’s Muskogee campus at 2400 W. Shawnee. Information will also be available on the ROTC college scholarship program. Congressman Mullin will speak to attendees.
Academy Day is not only for students and their parents, but also a valuable resource for school counselors. Middle school students who may one day want to attend a service academy are encouraged to attend so they can see what is involved and how they can begin to build a resume of community service, academics and other aspects.
School counselors will be able to find information to help familiarize them with what the entrance criteria is for service academies as well as to help guide students on how to make the necessary choices.
Michael McLoughlin, an admission liaison officer for the U.S. Air Force Academy said students serious about applying to the academy should be well-rounded, involved in sports, have excellent grades and score well on entrance exams.
“We really want to see the kids who go over and above,” McLoughlin said. “Not just one or two dimensional kids, but also we look at the things they are doing for their community that is outside of school and sports.”
April Lockhart, the mother of U.S. Naval Academy Student Keaton Lockhart echoed what McLoughlin said. Keaton Lockhart, a Chelsea High School graduate, is in his third year at the Naval Academy.
“They want them to be a well-rounded person,” she said, adding that her son had to take high level math and science classes in order to be considered for the Naval Academy.
“Just getting the information out to the public is a big step,” Lockhart said, stressing that parents and students should begin the process of seeing what is needed to apply as early as possible.
Mullin said the service academies offer a rigorous curriculum but also train the next generation of leaders.
“Any student interested in attending one of these academies must be prepared to work hard, persevere and challenge themselves,” Mullin said. “But the pay off will benefit the entire country. This nation needs more determined leaders with the values of Eastern Oklahoma – faith, family and freedom.”
Service Academies present will include:
US Military Academy: West Point, NY
US Naval Academy: Annapolis, MD
US Air Force Academy: Colorado Springs, CO
US Coast Guard Academy: New London, CT
US Merchant Marine Academy: Kings Point, NY