Seniors nearing the end of their high school career have been making decisions on col­lege and careers. Some students have chosen to serve America by joining the military af­ter high school. Senior Bennitt Hermsen was accepted into the US Naval Academy and has made the choice to attend in the fall.

Each year, 6.8% of applicants to the US and Naval Academy are accepted, making this honor extremely prestigious.

“I was super ex­cited to be accepted because it was some­thing I had worked really hard worked for quite a while,” Herm­sen said.

Approximately 4,000 students enroll each year. Students research in their area of study as well as train on a daily basis.

“I’m hoping to major in ocean engineering with a minor in Spanish, and then possibly go into naval aviation,” Hermsen said.

Training for the Navy takes a lot of commitment and dedi­cation. Hermsen’s decision did not come easily.

“I made this decision be­cause of the great opportunities to push myself to my fullest potential and to develop great leadership skills while having unique experiences,” Hermsen said. “It is also a great way to serve my country.”

During the application process, Hermsen also had to complete a physical examina­tion to test her endurance and strength.

“There was a lot that went into applying to the US Naval Academy, and I worked very hard to complete everything to the best of my ability,” Hermsen said.

Hermsen had different inspirations when making her decision, and she will continue to look up to them as she makes more impor­tant decisions later in life.

“My biggest role mod­els would be my parents because my mother showed me how to be a strong, in­dependent woman and my father, as he was a graduate from the Naval Academy in ‘88,” Hermsen said.

Hermsen’s legacy at the US Naval Academy was something that influenced her decision as well.

“My dad didn’t force it upon me but he definitely has supported me through it, and I’m grateful for that,” Hermsen said.

She looks forward to finishing the high school chap­ter of her life and preparing for her future at the US Naval Academy and beyond.