John Paul II High School sends first student to Naval Academy

by PegNews wire

On April 1, 2009, John Paul II High School senior Michael Schmeck, signed a letter of commitment to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, making this the first military appointment ever for the Catholic high school.

Several of Schmeck’s coaches and teachers, who have been pivotal to his success at JPIIHS, were on hand to take part in this momentous occasion. With some hugs, handshakes and plenty of smiles from the faculty, they each expressed their congratulations to Schmeck and his family. David Gaffney, who also coached Schmeck during football season said, “We are all very proud of Michael’s appointment to the Naval Academy. It has been a pleasure teaching, coaching and mentoring Michael these past two years at JPII. We are very happy for him.”

Anthony, Schmeck’s father, credits certain faculty members with the success of his son’s interview process, “Mike’s teachers and coaches really helped him through the 4-month process. It’s a big deal when the coach from the Academy travels to visit you. JPIIHS faculty helped that coach understand that he is the type of Athlete they want.”

When asked what drew him to want to play for Navy, Schmeck expressed one of his particular interests was the diversity of the team itself. He added, “That with a state school, the athletes generally come from local areas, but at a national service school like the Naval Academy, everyone is represented.”

JPIIHS spokesperson comments, “On behalf of the school, we want to express how undeniably proud we are of Michael. We congratulate him and his family on a job well done. Michael has worked very hard at not only his academics, but with also helping to establish a first-rate ballclub for the school. For us, he has demonstrated the type of leadership skills that we edify, universities seek and for which our nation hopes. We wish him the best.”

After graduation this coming May 31, 2009, Schmeck will attend a freshmen orientation at the Academy where he will participate in what most civilians refer to as “boot camp” followed by an introduction to the military way of life. When the academic year begins, Schmeck will play baseball for the Academy and plans to major in either history or political science.

Source: John Paul II High School