U N I T E D S TAT E S N A V A L A C A D E M Y F O U N D AT I O N , I N C .
ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 A N N UA L N E W S L E T T E R • 5 6 T H E D I T I O N
ABOUT US Founded in 1944, Athletic and Scholarship Programs, a division of the United States Naval Academy Foundation, encourages and supports athletic excellence at the Naval Academy. The program is responsible for grants and awards that recognize superiority in athletics and a comprehensive scholarship program to ensure that the Naval Academy has the best scholarathletes in the nation.
MISSION To provide non-financial resources and to support sustainable private funding where government funds are not available, for: (A) The Physical Mission which is a vital element in developing all midshipmen to become leaders in the Navy, Marine Corps and nation and (B) Comprehensive preparatory school scholarship programs necessary to further develop high potential midshipmen candidates.
ATHLETIC SUPPORT Each year, the Foundation provides more than $2.8 million in direct support for all types of athletic activities at the Naval Academy. This includes extensive financial support to not only the 33 varsity teams, but also the many club and intramural teams as well as to the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI.
SCHOLARSHIPS Through a need-based scholarship program, the Foundation provides one year of post-high school education to qualified young men and women before they enter the Naval Academy. Thanks to the Foundation’s sponsorship, more than 4,000 motivated candidates with excellent leadership, scholastic and athletic potential have graduated from the Naval Academy since 1944. It is a “winwin” for the Naval Academy and for these outstanding candidates!
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FROM THE CHAIRMAN
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR ATHLETICS
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NEW SCHOLARSHIPS HONOR MEMORIES OF THREE ALUMNI
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FOUNDATION AWARDS
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FOUNDATION-SPONSORED GRADUATES
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COOPERATING PREP SCHOOLS
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PREP SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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A LETTER OF THANKS
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2025 FOUNDATION PREP SCHOOL STUDENTS
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RON TERWILLIGER ’63 CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES DEDICATED
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FROM THE CHAIRMAN “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” —President Franklin Roosevelt. I believe his words to be true. Our time is relatively short, we just don’t know what life will throw at us and the last year or so has been anything but smooth. With that thought in mind, we should all be RADM TOM LYNCH ’64, skilled sailors! USN (RET.) Despite the challenges we experienced, our unique organization has not missed a beat. We continue to execute our primary mission of overseeing our scholarship program and the financial support from our Trustees, alumni, parents and friends of the Naval Academy has been above and beyond expectations. I am so pleased to report the Naval Academy Foundation’s Athletic and Scholarship Programs had a banner year and I am thankful to all of you for your ongoing and generous support. The pandemic may have slowed us, but it certainly didn’t stop us. The Naval Academy Foundation closed out the Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign with more than $540 million raised in support of the Naval Academy. The campaign started 1 July 2012 and ended 30 June 2021. Our Athletic and Scholarship Programs, with more than 330 active Trustees and Emeriti, were an essential part of that success. During the campaign our Trustees committed more than $110 million, which is more than 20 percent of the total raised for the campaign. That’s an impressive amount for such a relatively small group. During the past year, we raised more than $3.68 million for the Fund for Athletic Excellence and that, my friends, is a record for A&SP! These unrestricted funds constitute our “lifeblood” and are what our Director of Athletics, Chet Gladchuk, calls the X Factor! This money provides our program support for athletics and covers support to NAAA, NAPS, the Academy and other special interest items. This growing support gives us great confidence we can and will continue to overcome any future challenges no matter the obstacles. This ongoing level of support continues to have a significant impact, helping our Midshipmen with the following notable achievements for Navy sports during the 2020-21 year: 17-10 overall record vs. Army and a 13-7 record vs. Army in Star games. Navy won the Patriot League Presidents’ Cup for the seventh straight time! The Naval Academy garnered 11 conference championships,
21 All-Americans, 24 Academic All-Americans, three Patriot League Scholar-Athletes of the Year, 12 national or conference Coaches of the Year, 10 national or conference Athletes of the Year and three conference Rookies of the Year. In crew, our Navy lightweights won the IRA National Championships in First Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight and Straight Four … a clean sweep! We can all take great pride in our ongoing support of Naval Academy athletics. I am proud to announce the following new Trustees who were inducted at our virtual Fall and Spring meetings: FALL 2020 New Trustees David Albritton ’88 Jim Bethmann ’77 Ted Carter ’81 Don Hughes ’88 John Lawlor ’75 Mary McElroy ’87 Darryl Smith ’88 Bob Stuart ’71
Sponsor Jim Traa ’88 Ed Wallace ’72 Dennis Murphy ’81 Ed Straw ’61 Jeff Johnson ’79 Katie Thurman ’83 Jim Schwab ’88 Mike McNallen ’71
SPRING 2021 New Trustees Patrick Brady ’81 Ronald Christenson ’69 Jay Donnelly ’75 Thomas Kilcline ’73 Stephen Leaman ’69 Thomas Reynolds ’93
Sponsor Tom Fricke ’81 Doug Bishop ’69 Jon Greenert ’75 Tim Keating ’71 Ed Straw ’61 Rick Buchanan ’68
I would also like to acknowledge the following Trustees who were elevated to Emeritus and thank them all for their many years of dedicated support:
CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTION DAY
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Emeritus Trustees: Fall 2020 Bob McElroy ’49 Norm Bednarek ’59 Skip Dittmann ’67 Dick Young ’69 Spring 2021 Taylor Keith ’59 Sted Garber ’65 Randy Bogle ’68
James Hogg ’56 Joseph Prueher ’64 John Padgett ’69 Skid Heyworth ’70
Lyman Perry ’60 Dennis Haley ’67
During our virtual Fall A&SP meeting the Awards Committee selected Men’s Gymnastics Coach Kip Simons as the Coach of the Year for Fall 2020 for his outstanding performance in leading his team. This recognition included
a monetary award and a trophy. Congratulations to this great coach! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 there were no Coaches Awards for Spring 2020. We have traveled a difficult road with all that has occurred in the last 19 months but as evidenced by the record-setting year and the amazing campaign result the Navy spirit is alive and well. The road may be long, and that means there are opportunities to get better and continue our proud legacy of athletic excellence and developing young men and women of character. GO NAVY, BEAT Army!
Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch ’64, USN (Ret.) Chairman
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and obstacles,” said Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I see that as a reminder that life and relationships come with many trials and tribulations, but those experiences are exactly what makes CAPT DON HUGHES ’88, USN (RET.) us who we are. It’s amazing to think how fast 2020 went from a typical year to complete and utter confusion with almost every aspect of our lives. The new normal had us going in different directions and getting used to being uncomfortable. In typical fashion, throughout 2020 and into 2021, we adjusted the way(s) we did business and continue to deal with COVID. We adapted to this evolving threat and learned that we could communicate effectively through the combination of video teleconferencing, phone calls and emails. I don’t believe anyone would say this means of communicating is better than face-to-face and having the social interaction but, under the circumstances, our ship continues to sail in the right direction. Our Athletic and Scholarship Programs had an outstanding year by any measure. As Admiral Lynch mentioned, we had a record year and we closed our very 4
successful Called to Serve, Daring to Lead Campaign with significant contributions from our A&SP Trustees and many others. Our team of Trustees, the A&SP staff, the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation, the USNA Admissions staff, the Naval Academy Athletic Association, our partner prep schools, our Foundation scholarship students and their families displayed dedication, professionalism and energy every step of the way. Collectively, we will continue to weather the storm and demonstrate what resiliency truly is. To say I am proud and grateful to stand alongside such a strong group of people would be an understatement. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM I had the great fortune to work with an amazing group of young men and women, as well as their parents, as we all navigated schedules with remote, in-person and hybrid learning options. Each of our Foundation-sponsored prep school students made the best of a unique situation and worked extremely hard to gain their appointments to the Naval Academy with the Class of 2025. There were 46 that started and 42 (33 men and 11 women) earned their appointments for an outstanding 91 percent matriculation rate. Four of our students did not matriculate for various reasons including academics, medical and PRT issues. One of our students was injured after receiving her appointment. I’m happy to report she
will go through rehab and continue her pursuit of an appointment with the Class of 2026. So, we have 41 who became midshipmen on Induction Day. If our track record continues, 94 percent of our Foundation students will graduate in four years! The Class of 2026 Foundation-sponsored prep students are all set to go, and we have 45 (26 men and 19 women) students enrolled at 11 of our 16 affiliated prep schools for the 2021-22 academic year. I’m excited for all our students and am reminded of what my predecessor Captain Ed Wallace ’72, USN (Ret.), told me: “Our program is a win-win for our students and the Naval Academy.” PHYSICAL MISSION SUPPORT I have only been on the job for two years and most of it during COVID, but it has been intuitively obvious that the ever-increasing financial support our Trustees, alumni, friends and parents provide in support of the physical mission and Navy athletic programs is a critical part of the Naval Academy’s efforts to develop these young men and women. Due to the challenges with COVID we weren’t sure how our donors would respond, and as Admiral Lynch shared, we raised a record $3.68 million. We never lost sight of the impact we can have on our midshipmen and our Naval Academy family; we just adjusted our sails due to the unforeseen winds and carried on! That support has resulted in tangible results with the following notable achievements: 13-7 Army-Navy record, 11 Conference Championships, 21 All-Americans, 24 Academic All-Americans, three Patriot League ScholarAthletes of the Year, 12 national or conference Coaches of the Year, 10 national or conference Athletes of the Year and three conference Rookies of the Year. Navy captured its seventh-consecutive Patriot League Presidents’ Cup. Navy’s first varsity eight Lightweight Crew
CAPT DON HUGHES ’88, USN (RET.), STANDS WITH NORTHWESTERN PREP FOUNDATION STUDENT TANNER RUSSELL, AT THE CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTION DAY
was the 2021 IRA National Champions and the 2021 IRA Lightweight Crew of the Year. Considering the COVID challenges, these achievements are truly remarkable. We can all take great pride in our scholar-athletes and our generous support of Naval Academy athletics. As Chet Gladchuk always says, “EXPECT TO WIN!” The following prep school scholarships have been established in the past year: • The Admiral William D. Smith ’55, USN (Ret.), Memorial Scholarship, established by his wife Sabra H. Smith. • The Captain William P. Donnelly, Sr. USN (Ret.), Class of 1965 Memorial Scholarship, established by his classmates, teammates and friends. • The Major Matthew M. Weigand, USMC, USNA ’08 Memorial Scholarship, established by his parents, Captain Roy A. Wiegand ’73, USN (Ret.), and Margaret A. Wiegand. If you are interested in learning more about contributions or establishing a permanent USNA Foundation Scholarship, please contact our office. The unbridled passion for the Naval Academy from our Trustees, NAAA, our Naval Academy Foundation staff, alumni, parents and friends is a force multiplier. That enables us to continue providing the margin of excellence required to help ensure the Naval Academy is developing the type of quality young men and women that will lead our country. Thank you does not convey the appreciation I have for everyone that helps make our team successful! I’d be remiss if I didn’t specifically thank the chairman of Athletic and Scholarship Programs, Rear Admiral Tom Lynch ’64, USN (Ret.), and Alumni Association and Foundation President and CEO Byron Marchant ’78, for their support and leadership. Also, my sincere thanks to the backbone of A&SP, Chris Knott, Tracey Cook and Mariola Baker, who do the heavy lifting and make sure everything is on track. If you have any questions or desire to know more about supporting our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us, email us, check us out on the web, send us a letter or better yet, come visit us at 25 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD. We look forward to working with you! Our office phone is 410-295-4095, our email is aspfoundation@usna.com, and our web address is www.usna.com/asp.
Captain Don Hughes ’88, USN (Ret.) Executive Director 5
PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR ATHLETICS This year, our Foundation is providing $3.23 million in direct support to Navy athletic programs. The funds are drawn primarily from our “Fund for Athletic Excellence,” the lifeblood of our organization. Our support includes the following:
SUPPORT OF USNA Club Sports Intramural Sports Midshipman Athletic/Leadership Awards Midshipman Athletic Trophies
SUPPORT TO NAAA Varsity Football Annual Football Banquet Football Operations/Recruiting Football Salary Olympic Sports Athletic Excellence/Recruiting and Operations Broadband/Video Streaming/All Sports Coaches’ Meritorious Recognition/All Sports
SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS A&S Varsity Coaches Awards (trophies) Varsity Coaches Award Locker Room Enhancements Trophy and Award Displays—Upgrades Major Gift Officer Salary/Benefits/Operating Asst. Major Gift Officer Salary and Development Support Asst. A&S Officer Salary/Benefits/Operations NMCMS Maintenance Fund COVID Testing
SUPPORT OF NAPS Football Coach Basketball Coach Lacrosse Coach Track Coach Team Travel/Food/Lodging Coaches’ Professional Development Trainer
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USNA FOUNDATION PREP SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT $462,717.50 (2020-2021 Academic Year) Note: These funds come from restricted funds specifically designated for the tuition assistance support of the prep school program.
MAJ MATTHEW M. WIEGAND ’08, USMC
ADM WILLIAM DEE SMITH ’55, USN (RET.)
CAPT WILLIAM P. “PAT” DONNELLY ’65, USN (RET.)
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS HONOR MEMORIES OF THREE ALUMNI Thanks to the generosity of U.S. Naval Academy alumni along with their families and friends, Athletic & Scholarship Programs regularly expands its assistance opportunities with new scholarships. Often, these scholarships honor the memories of late alumni, as is the case with this year’s new scholarships. Below, we share a look at the individuals these scholarships are inspired by. Beginning this year, we have three new scholarships that honor Academy graduates and support future midshipmen. The new scholarships honor: MAJOR MATTHEW M. WIEGAND ’08, USMC Matt was born into a Navy family that moved many times. While his father was Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station JRB Willow Grove, the annual airshows were a highlight for Matt and his buddies, thus sparking an incredible passion for aviation. As part of the flying club at the naval air station, Matt started flying the T-34 with his dad at age 11. A graduate of Hatboro Horsham High School in Horsham, PA, Matt earned varsity letters in lacrosse, golf and ice hockey. Matt attended Wyoming Seminary, an Athletic & Scholarship Programs participating prep school in Kingston, PA, prior to attending the U.S. Naval Academy. While at the Naval Academy, Matt was a Philly sports fan, a talented lacrosse player and golfer and loved playing guitar. After graduating from the Academy in 2008, Matt became a U.S. Marine Corps pilot. He would log nearly 2,000 hours in the air, participating in operations in Japan, the Philippines and South Korea and receiving multiple commendation medals. As a MAWTS-1 instructor, Matt
truly enjoyed flying with and working beside many of his closest friends. It has been said that he filled the office with his vibrant personality, pranks and enough homemade food to feed the entire building. Sadly, Matt was killed in a night training accident in Yuma, AZ, in March 2019. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award. “We knew we wanted to establish a meaningful tribute to our son Matt at USNA,” said his parents, Margaret and Skip. “And we wanted to contribute in a way that would be flexible, hopefully grow over time and be a direct service to a recipient. Sponsoring a bench on Stribling Walk or the like was not what we had in mind. A Foundation scholarship was foremost in our thoughts as Matt was a Foundation scholar. In addition, Matt was a club lacrosse player while at USNA and we support the team through donations to the Foundation. Matt’s teammate and great friend Colin Smith ’09 is now the club team’s coach and the team dedicated their 2019 national championship season to Matt.” The first Major Matthew M. Wiegand, USMC, USNA ’08 Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Tanner Russell from Kalispell, MT, who attended Northwestern Prep. In addition to his parents, Matt is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Katrina, their sweet dog Charlotte (call sign “Charlie”), lifelong friends Jeff and JD and a band of brothers and sisters from the U.S. Naval Academy, the Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army.
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ADMIRAL WILLIAM DEE SMITH ’55, USN (RET.) Bill was born in Denver, CO, in 1933. He excelled in sports and academics leading to his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in the summer of 1951. While at the Academy, Bill was in the fourth company and ran cross-country and track, captaining the cross country team his first class year. Upon graduation Bill served on BACHE (DDE 470) and DELONG (DE 684) prior to attending Submarine School. He then served on TINOSA (SSN 606) followed by five SSBN submarines. He was the Commanding Officer of HENRY L. STIMSON (SSBN 655). He served on the staff of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, as Deputy then Senior Member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. After a tour as Director of Nuclear Power Personnel, he became Squadron Commander, Submarine Squadron Fourteen, in Holy Loch, Scotland. His next assignment was as Director, Naval Communications Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He then served as Commanding Officer, Submarine Group Eight, before being assigned as Op-90, chief program and budget officer for the Navy. His final active duty assignment was as the U.S. Representative to the Military Committee of NATO. Bill retired in 1993 after 38 years of naval service. His many decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal w/Gold Star, the Legion of Merit w/3 Gold Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal w/Gold Star and the Navy Commendation Medal. Upon retirement Bill formed a consulting company, Heisler Corporation, and became a full time Senior Fellow at both the Center for Naval Analyses and the National Defense University. Admiral Bill Smith was a classmate and friend. He had a long and distinguished naval career, becoming the last classmate to retire from active duty and one of the highest-ranking naval officers in the class. He passed away in September 2020. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sabra (Harrington) Smith, and a daughter, Evangeline Quinn. He was predeceased by a son, Frederick W. “Fritz” Smith ’87. Sabra Smith established this scholarship in honor of her husband’s life and service to his country. She also wanted a deserving and motivated young person who needed another year of post high school academic preparation prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy to have that opportunity. The first Admiral William Dee Smith ’55 Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Sean Ostrowski from Virginia Beach, VA, who attended the Salisbury School. Admiral and Mrs. Smith created a scholarship in memory of their son, who was a Foundation student at Mercersburg Academy and varsity swimmer.
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CAPTAIN WILLIAM P. “PAT” DONNELLY ’65, USN (RET.) Pat lost a courageous, nearly 10-year long battle with Alzheimer’s on 24 July 2020. Pat was an outstanding two-sport scholar-athlete and leader. In football, Pat started at fullback for three years and in 1963 scored three touchdowns against both Notre Dame and Army. He was selected to play in two post-season All Star games including one against the NFL Champion Cleveland Browns. In lacrosse, despite never having played prior to entering the Academy, Pat went on to make first team All American and won the Schmeisser Award as the top defenseman in the country. Academically, Pat graduated number 20 out of 802 Class of 1965 classmates. During his Navy career in the Civil Engineering Corps, he earned two post-graduate degrees at Cambridge University in England and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. He was also the first class president of the Class of 1965. “Pat may have been the most tremendous natural athlete I’ve ever seen. He could have played any sport and been highly successful,” said Dennis Wedekind, starting goalie for the Navy lacrosse team from 1963 through 1965. “Pat Donnelly was a great athlete and an even greater person,” classmate and A&SP Trustee Skip Orr ’65 said. “If you look at four qualities: athleticism, intelligence, character and kindness—there was no one better. You then add humility and friendship on top of that. “There is nothing you can say about Pat Donnelly that people did not like. In fact, it was impossible to not love Pat Donnelly.” His survivors include his widow, Mary-Anne “Missy” Donnelly, and two sons who both attended the Academy: Captain William P. Donnelly Jr. ’89, USN, and Sean Donnelly ’92. “Pat really was the most amazing man—everything that everyone says about him is absolutely true,” Missy Donnelly said. “We had the most wonderful marriage, the most adventurous marriage, everything you could ever want for a marriage. He was just an amazing life partner.” Missy Donnelly, her family and Pat’s many friends, teammates and classmates established the Captain William P. (Pat) Donnelly Memorial Scholarship. The first recipient is Gabriel Spencer from Kansas City, MO.
FOUNDATION AWARDS
MIDN JOSEPH WIEDEMANN
MIDN DIEGO FAGOT
MIDN NELSON SMITH
ADMIRAL LOUIS E. DENFELD MEMORIAL AWARD The Admiral Louis E. Denfeld Memorial Award recognizes a Foundation-sponsored member of the graduating class who has best displayed traits of leadership, demonstrated academic proficiency and participated extensively in extracurricular activities. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Joseph Wiedemann from Bethesda, MD.
E.E. “RIP” MILLER VARSITY FOOTBALL AWARD The recipient of the E.E. “Rip” Miller Award is selected by members of the varsity football team and is presented to the member of the squad “who has contributed the most to the team.” This year’s recipient was 2/C Midshipman Diego Fagot from Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
NAPOLEON McCALLUM FOOTBALL TROPHY The Napoleon McCallum Trophy is presented annually to the varsity football player of the graduating class who has gained the most allpurpose yards in his varsity playing career. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Nelson Smith from Baton Rouge, LA.
MIDN ALLISON TAYLOR
MIDN DIEGO FAGOT
MIDN JACKSON PERKINS
THE H. McCOY JONES AWARD The H. McCoy Jones Award recognizes that Foundation-sponsored member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the highest degree of excellence in the Naval Academy athletic program and in leadership and competitive spirit. The recipient of this award was 1/C Midshipman Allison Taylor from Madison Lake, MN.
JOE BELLINO FOOTBALL TROPHY The Joe Bellino Trophy is presented annually to the varsity football player whose inspiring on-the-field performance made a significant impact on the team and contributed to its overall success during the season. This year’s recipient was 2/C Midshipman Diego Fagot.
ROGER STAUBACH FOOTBALL TROPHY The Roger Staubach Trophy is presented annually to the varsity football player who demonstrated outstanding and consistent leadership and “Expect to Win” attitude in contributing to the team’s success during the season. This player embodied honor, courage and commitment on and off the playing field. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Jackson Perkins from Fontana, WI. 9
FOUNDATION AWARDS
MIDN CAMERON DAVIS
MIDN KRISTINA DZHANDZHAPANYAN
MIDN JARED LEINS
DAVID ROBINSON BASKETBALL TROPHY The David Robinson Trophy is presented annually to the varsity basketball player of the graduating class who has contributed the most to the team’s success over his playing career. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Cameron Davis from Battlefield, MO.
CHERYL DOLYNIUK CARLAN TROPHY The Cheryl Dolyniuk Carlan Trophy is presented annually to that female midshipman of the graduating class who has excelled in athletics, leadership and academics. Recommendations are received from NAAA and the Commandant of Midshipmen. Selection is made by the Awards Committee. The recipient of this award was 1/C Midshipman Kristina Dzhandzhapanyan from Annapolis, MD.
MAX BISHOP/JOE DUFF BASEBALL TROPHY The Max Bishop/Joe Duff Trophy is presented annually to that Navy varsity baseball player of the graduating class who has contributed the most to the team’s success over his varsity playing career. The recipient is selected by the coaching staff. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Jared Leins from Raleigh, NC.
NO TROPHY AWARDED THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID-19
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MIDN CODY TRYBUS
MIDN JARED COX
1ST LIEUTENANT TRAVIS L. MANION WRESTLING TROPHY The 1st Lieutenant Travis L. Manion Wrestling Trophy is presented annually in memory of 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion ’04, USMC, who was killed in action in Iraq. It is presented to the Navy wrestler from the graduating class who displayed outstanding leadership and work habits throughout his career at the Naval Academy. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Cody Trybus from Elkton, MD.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ERIK KRISTENSEN CREW TROPHY The Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen Crew Trophy is presented annually in memory of Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen ’95, USN, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. It is for the varsity heavyweight crew member of the graduating class who has contributed the most to the program’s success over his career at the Naval Academy. This year’s recipient was 1/C Midshipman Jared Cox from Cincinnati, OH.
THE BOXING “CHAMPIONS TROPHY” The Boxing “Champions Trophy” honors Navy Boxing coaches Spike Webb, Tony Rubino, Emerson Smith and Jim McNally. It is awarded to midshipmen who have won a collegiate national championship. This trophy, created by late Trustee Chuck Spadafora ’63, will be presented each year to Club Boxing National Champions.
FOUNDATION-SPONSORED USNA ’21 GRADUATES HAZEL ACOSTA New Mexico Military Institute—SURFACE WARFARE
ROBERT LEE The Hill School—SURFACE WARFARE
JAMES ARRISON Peddie School—USMC CYBER
ERNANDO MANRIQUE The Kiski School—SURFACE WARFARE (NUCLEAR)
JOSEPH AUCOIN The Kiski School—NAVY PILOT
JAKE MILES Northwestern Preparatory School—SURFACE WARFARE
JORDAN BERRIOS Marion Military Institute—SURFACE WARFARE (NUCLEAR)
KELLY MILLIKEN Portsmouth Abby School—NAVY PILOT
SAMUEL BRAY Peddie School—USMC GROUND
HAYDEN MONTEMORRA Peddie School—SURFACE WARFARE (NUCLEAR)
RICHARD BROPHY The Kiski School—NAVY PILOT
CHARLES MUSTO The Hill School—INTELLIGENCE
GIANNA BUENAVISTA Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University— SURFACE WARFARE
SAMANTHA NASSIF Mercersburg Academy—SURFACE WARFARE
KYLE CORTEZ Wyoming Seminary—SURFACE WARFARE RYAN DEAS Wyoming Seminary—USMC GROUND JUSTIN DESAUTELS Salisbury School—SURFACE WARFARE LUCAS DISHART The Kiski School—USMC PILOT EDUARDO GOMEZ Hargrave Military Academy—SUBMARINE (NUCLEAR) ANDREW GREGORY Mercersburg Academy—SURFACE WARFARE JACOB HAINES The Hill School—NAVY PILOT HAILEY HARMS Northfield Mt. Hermon—USMC GROUND LAUREN HERRINGTON Peddie School—SURFACE WARFARE CALLA HILLIARD Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University— SURFACE WARFARE KATHERINE HOFMAN Mercersburg Academy—USMC PILOT WOODROW JONES Mercersburg Academy—SURFACE WARFARE PATRICIA KRISAN Mercersburg Academy—NAVY PILOT
DEAN NGUYEN Mercersburg Academy—SURFACE WARFARE SARAH OSBORNE Kent School—USMC GROUND CAROLINE PEPPARD Blair Academy—NAVY PILOT MADISON PETERSON Blair Academy—SUBMARINE (NUCLEAR) JACOB PINON New Mexico Military Institute— SURFACE WARFARE (NUCLEAR) VINCENT POTENTE Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University— INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL JACOB RAMOS The Kiski School—SURFACE WARFARE EMILY ROOT Western Reserve Academy—SURFACE WARFARE STEPHAN SHATYNSKI Northwestern Preparatory School—SURFACE WARFARE SAMANTHA STEARNS Northwestern Preparatory School—NAVY PILOT ALLISON TAYLOR Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University— SURFACE WARFARE OCEANOGRAPHY OPTION JOSEPH WIEDEMANN Western Reserve Academy—SURFACE WARFARE INTELLIGENCE OPTION KIRA WILLARD Marion Military Institute—EOD 11
COOPERATING PREP SCHOOLS FOR 2021-2022 Avon Old Farm Avon, CT
The Kiski School Saltsburg, PA
Peddie School Hightstown, NJ
Blair Academy Blairstown, NJ
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL
Portsmouth Abbey School Portsmouth, RI
Georgia Military College Milledgeville, GA
Mercersburg Academy Mercersburg, PA
Salisbury School Salisbury, CT
Hargrave Military Academy Chatham, VA
New Mexico Military Institute Roswell, NM
Western Reserve Academy Hudson, OH
The Hill School Pottstown, PA
Northwestern Preparatory School Crestline, CA
Wyoming Seminary Kingston, PA
Kent School Kent, CT
PREP SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MERCERSBURG ACADEMY Established in 1893 in southern Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy is a coed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 and postgraduates. Mercersburg has been affiliated with the United States Naval Academy Foundation since 1976 and currently has 22 midshipmen enrolled at the Academy through the USNA Foundation postgraduate program. More than 2,000 Mercersburg alumni have gone on to serve in the armed forces. Mercersburg was founded on the mantra of “hard work, fair play, clean life,” and postgraduates have been enrolling at the school since its very first year. Today, the 300-acre campus is home to 445 students from 27 states and 39 countries who benefit from a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 170 academic courses, 27 varsity sports, a robust performing and fine arts program, a robotics program, an outdoor education program, dozens of clubs and student organizations, global travel opportunities and the other offerings of a well-established prep school. From its modest beginnings, Mercersburg has maintained a deep sense of humility and a spirit of egalitarianism. Students, faculty and staff cultivate a campus distinguished by acceptance and authenticity rather than pretension and elitism. The community is celebrated first and the individual second. It’s a fundamental part of the Mercersburg ethos, and it’s on display in both the classroom and the residential life program.
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2025 MERCERSBURG ACADEMY FOUNDATION PREP STUDENTS
Above all, Mercersburg believes deeply in its call for students to “Define Yourself Here.” Young adults are empowered to discover who they are, to express themselves and to be the main character in their own story. They’re taught how to think, not what to think, and in the process, they build strength of intellect and strength of character. They learn to honor the past, engage the present and prepare for the future. They develop the will to achieve and the determination to succeed, and they graduate prepared for higher education, for their careers and for lives of leadership and service.
A LETTER OF THANKS
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A LETTER OF THANKS
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2025 FOUNDATION PREP SCHOOL STUDENTS Following are profiles of sponsored candidates who are members of the Naval Academy Class of 2025. They attended a prep school or junior college affiliated with the Foundation. The designations of “Honor Scholar” and “Scholar Athlete” are solely to recognize the contribution made to the Foundation by the donors of Honor or Memorial Scholarships.
EVERET ANDREW Scholarship: Captain David S. Cooper, USN, Honor Scholarship High School: Loyola Academy, Wilmette, IL Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: Swimming, Sailing, Scuba Diving Honors: High school swim team captain (two years), All-American Honors, 500 Free and 200 IM high school record holder MAX AWTRY Scholarship: Louis William Alter Scholar Athlete Scholarship High School: Conrad School, Wilmington, DE Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: Varsity Baseball, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Wrestling, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Society, Multiplying Goods Club, Chief Editor of the Yearbook, Redzone Club VP, Election Officer Honors: Pre-Season 1st Team All-State 3B, 2019 All-Conference 3B OWEN BEISTY Scholarship: The Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch Scholar Athlete Scholarship High School: St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Philadelphia, PA Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: Baseball, Golf, Captain of Travis Manion Foundation Hawks, tutor at the Gesu School, volunteer at Hub of Hope in Philadelphia, caddie at St. David’s Golf Club, 90+ service hours Honors: Perfect Game Preseason All-American, Academic First Honors, Academic Second Honors, Baseball Most Valuable Player Freshman Year
ELISE CHAFFIN Scholarship: Commander Michael B. Clark, USNR (USNA ’59) Memorial Scholarship High School: Heritage High School in Littleton, CO Prep School: Georgia Military College (GMC), Milledgeville, GA Sports and Activities: Women’s Soccer (four years), Football (four years), Women’s Swimming (three years), Women’s Basketball, Bear Creek Soccer Club (four years), Twin Cities Elite Travel Club Soccer (two years), GMC Women’s Soccer, National Honor Society (Grades 11 & 12), Student Government (four years), Key Club (Grades 11 & 12), Community Relations Club (Grades 11 & 12), Save the Bees Club (Grade 10), Phi Theta Kappa (GMC 2020-2021), Vice President of Leadership, Alpha Phi Omega (GMC 2020-2021), Chapter Secretary Honors: GPA: 4.2, Class Rank: Top 10% (29 out of 380), Honor Roll (four years), High Honors, HOBY Colorado Attendance Winner, Outstanding Scholar-Athlete, Football Academic All-State First Team, Women’s Soccer, President’s List, First Term at GMC EDEN CIARCIA Scholarship: The Frederick Franco (USNA ’54) Scholar Athlete High School: Dominion Christian School, Reston, VA Prep School: Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Cross Country, Crew, went to CAP’s Virginia Wing Encampment and served as a First Sergeant for the Advanced Training Squadron, attended Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Familiarization Course, lifeguard ISAIAH DRAKE Scholarship: Coach Wayne Hardin Honor Scholarship High School: California Connections Academy, San Juan Capistrano, CA Prep School: Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles, CA Sports and Activities: Gymnastics, Surfing, Photography and Music
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Honors: Member of the U.S. Junior National Team (four years), represented the U.S. in three different countries including the 2019 Junior World Championships in Gyor, Hungary, a member of the 2021 Senior National Team ERIK EADS Scholarship: Captain Patrick M. Klokow ’99 Memorial Scholarship High School: Hickory High School, Chesapeake, VA Prep School: Avon Old Farms School, Avon, CT Sports and Activities: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Wrestling, Varsity Lacrosse, Butts Road Primary School Volunteer, Navy Seal Foundation Leadership Camp, 60 hours Community Service, Co-Founded Fencing Company Honors: Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Latin Biliteracy Seal, Student-Athlete Academic Excellence Award, Fellowship of Christian Athletes MADISON FERGUSON Scholarship: USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship High School: Saint Petersburg High School, St. Petersburg, FL Prep School: Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Speech and Debate Team (Student Congress), Ethics Bowl, Student Government Association (Class Treasurer, Executive Treasurer and Executive Council), Key Club, Co-founder of Sanderlin Tutoring Program for Middle Schoolers, PADI Divemaster and MMI Echo Company Assistant Chaplain Honors: Summa Cum Laude, Distinguished Scholar, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, Academically Lettered, Student Government Award for Leadership, National History Day Regional Finalist, Two-Time Regional Finalist for National High School Ethics Bowl SAVANNAGH GASCA Scholarship: Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy, Elizabeth S. Hooper Memorial Scholarship High School: Colorado Preparatory Academy, Westminster, CO Prep School: Northwestern Preparatory School, Crestline, CA Sports and Activities: Taekwondo (captain/co-captain), Swimming, Karate, Musical Theater, Child Care Aide at college’s Child Development Center, Camp Leader at kids’ confidence and leadership camps, volunteered at kids’ musical theater summer camps, volunteered at food 16
bank, PATH Study through NIH, neighborhood landscaping, volunteered at Youth Behavioral Center Honors: Honor Roll, Diploma at 16, Vice President’s List, Dean’s List, Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, 1st Associates Degree at 17 (2019), 2nd Associates Degree at 19 (2021), JR Olympic medalist, ESPN medalist, State medalist, International medalist in Taekwondo. KAYLA GIBBONS Scholarship: Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller Honor Scholarship High School: Grant Community High School, Fox Lake, IL Prep School: New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM Sports and Activities: Second Degree Black Belt in Martial Arts, Color Guard head captain, Religious Education Catechist, National Honor Society, Illini Girls State Attendee Honors: Superintendent’s Award for Academics ALVIN HINTON, JR. Scholarship: Lieutenant Commander Wesley A. Brown ’49 Honor Scholarship High School: Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, NJ Prep School: New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM Sports and Activities: Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 2019 SDC NJ Student Ambassador to Japan, U.S. National Park Service Intern and Volunteer Honors: SHP Headmasters Award for Leadership, NJ Wrestling District #16 Champion, NJ Wrestling All-Conference Award, Danny O’Callahan Award for Selfless Services, Sacrifice, and Courage JULIA HORTON Scholarship: Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy, Mrs. Arleigh A. Burke Memorial Scholarship High School: Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Swanton, VT Prep School: The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ Sports and Activities: Varsity Soccer (captain), Varsity Basketball (captain), Varsity Track & Field, Class Secretary, Student Council, Member of the National Honor Society, Member of the National Art Honor Society, Green Mountain Girls State, Vermont State Science Fair, 200-plus hours community service Honors: Honor Roll (four years), Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, First Team Lake Division Soccer, First Team Mountain Division Soccer, Brandon Gleason
Scholarship, Saint Alban’s Elks Lodge Scholarship, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #778 Scholarship PEYTON JANKOWSKI Scholarship: Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy Honor Scholarship High School: Eisenhower High School/Utica Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (UCMST), Shelby Township, MI Prep School: Kent School, Kent, CT Sports and Activities: Kent Varsity Crew, Varsity Football (co-captain), Varsity Track, Kent House Council, Kent School Aviation Club, Kent Wind Ensemble, Student Council (committee head) Wind Ensemble (Varsity Band—section leader), Musical Production (“West Side Story,” Solo), UCMST Senior Mentor/Tutor, charity car shows Honors: UCMST program selection, National Honor Society, High Honor Roll, AP Scholar, Wesner Show, Kuka Robotics Corporation Internship, Solo and Ensemble First Division JOHN KUM Scholarship: Anna and Paul M. Lukish Sr., Memorial Scholarship High School: Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles, CA Prep School: New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM Sports and Activities: Cross Country, Track & Field, Taekwondo, Senior Patrol Leader BSA Troop 145, Team Leader of India Troop, Liberty in North Korea Vice-President, Model United Nations, Member of Society of American Military Engineers, Member of National Honor Society, Salvation Army Volunteer Honors: Varsity Cross Country City Finals 4th Place Team, San Pedro City Finals 2nd Place, Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award (2016-2019), Certificate of Recognition by Congressmember Karen Bass (CA 37), Berkeley Model UN International Conference Research and Commendation Award ALEXANDRA KWASNIEWSKI Scholarship: Major Megan M. McClung ’95, USNA (USMC) Scholarship High School: Lawrence High School, Lawrenceville, NJ Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: Diving (captain), Field Hockey (captain), National Honors Society, Operation Smile (Historian), International Alliance, Student Leadership. Volunteer for the Special Olympics, St. Baldrick’s and a nursing home
Honors: Captain Lynn Scutellaro Memorial Scholarship Award, LHS Athletic Hall of Fame Award, 2020 Seal of Biliteracy in Polish, 2020 Female Athlete of the Year, three-time All-American status, 2019 Sportsmanship Award, MCT Diving Champion (2018 and 2020), holds several school records for both diving and field hockey, 2019 1st team at CJFHCA and Trentonian All-CVC EMMA MARTINSEN Scholarship: Major General Terrance P. Murray, USMC Memorial Scholarship High School: Billings Senior High School, Billings, MT Prep School: Georgia Military College (GMC), Milledgeville, GA Sports and Activities: Track, Cross Country, Color Guard and Drill Team (GMC), Soccer, Speech and Debate, National Honor Society, Orchestra, Senior Advocates (High School), volunteering at church Honors: Platinum Program, Senator for Girls State and Girls Nation, Lettered in Speech and Debate and Orchestra, Superior Ratings at Montana State Music Festival LUCAS MERRITT Scholarship: Admiral Charles R. Larson ’58 Honor Scholarship High School: Perry High School, Perry, GA Prep School: Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Varsity Soccer (four years), Varsity Football, Varsity Cross Country, Travel Soccer, Future Business Leaders of America (four years), 2019 Naval Academy Summer Seminar, Student Council, Founder of Houston County Teen Republicans Honors: Class President (two years), Future Business Leaders of America—vice president and treasurer, National Honor Society (four years), Region 1st Place in Public Speaking for Future Business Leaders of America, Highest Honors World History Grade, All-County Soccer Team (three years), All Region Soccer Team (three years), President’s List at Georgia Military College, dual-enrollment (2019), Graduated with Associate of Science Degree at Georgia Military College (2019) TRISTRAM MOORE JR. Scholarship: Captain Brandon Barrett Memorial Scholarship High School: Grandview Prep and Atlantic Christian Academy, West Palm Beach, FL Prep School: Georgia Military College, Milledgeville, GA Sports and Activities: Varsity Basketball Team (four years, 17
two as captain), Varsity Track Team, Treasurer of Student Government Association, Vice President of Key Club, National Honor Society, Good Samaritan 365 Club, School Choir, Three School Musicals Honors: Grandview Citizen of the Year Award (two years), Jonathan and Ruth Character Award, Top Scholar-Athlete Award, Teachers Award of Excellence for Musical Theater, Honors Physics Award of Excellence, Honors Ancient History Award of Excellence, Academic Excellence Award Economics, Homecoming Court, Homecoming King, Student Ambassador, Valedictorian, American Legion Boys State (elected by peers to the offices of City Councilman, County Commissioner, and House of Representatives), Palm Beach County District Champion (three years), Palm Beach County District Finalist, Sunshine State Athletic Conference State Basketball Champion, Sunshine State Athletic Conference State All-Tournament Team, Palm Beach County All-Star High School Basketball Team BRENDAN MUNNELLY Scholarship: Vice Admiral Rodney and Pam Rempt Honor Scholarship High School: DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville, MD Prep School: Salisbury School, Salisbury, CT Sports and Activities: Varsity Baseball, National Honor Society, Student Government Senior Representative, Class Prefect, Volunteer Honors: High Honors, Varsity Baseball Captain, Principal’s List, Mickey Steele Scholarship Award Recipient, Engineering Award ERIK NORDQUIST Scholarship: Thomas E. Teshara Honor Scholarship High School: Valhalla High School, El Cajon, CA Prep School: The Hill School, Pottstown, PA Sports and Activities: Captain of Water Polo Team and Swim Team, Athletic Leadership Club, Safe School Ambassador, Every 15 Minutes Honors: High School Athletic Award, Two Athletic Underclassmen awards, All County Team, All CIF Team, All League Team Water Polo, All League Team Swim, Lettered in Water Polo and Swim (four years)
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SEAN OSTROWSKI Scholarship: Admiral William D. Smith ’55, USNA, Memorial Scholarship High School: Catholic High School, Virginia Beach, VA Prep School: Salisbury School, Salisbury, CT Sports and Activities: Varsity Lacrosse, Hockey, Track and Cross Country, Operation Smile, Athletes in Action, Campus Ministry, Retreat Leader, Eucharistic Minister Honors: National Honor Society, Varsity Hockey (MVP), All-Metro Ice Hockey Honorable Mention, MVP Summer League Club Swim Team (MVP) ABIGAIL PARKER Scholarship: Lieutenant Commander Richard E. Bowe Memorial Scholarship High School: Linganore High School, Frederick, MD Prep School: New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM Sports and Activities: Cross Country and Track Team captain, Girl Scout, English, Math, Science and German Honor Societies, Spring Cadre Squad Leader Honors: Matchin Award Recipient, Girl Scout Gold Award, Cross Country and Track Leadership Awards, Graduated with Highest Honors, Project Lead the Way Departmental Award LEONARDO PEREZ Scholarship: Vice Admiral Edward M. Straw Honor Scholarship High School: Mariner High School, Cape Coral, FL Prep School: The Hill School, Pottstown, PA Sports and Activities: Indoor Soccer club, Varsity Soccer captain, Volunteer coach Honors: Florida Gatorade Player of the Year 2019, Florida Mr. Soccer 2020, Southwest Florida Newspress Player of the Year (three years), four-time First Team All-State, two-time All-American, MVP of the All Star Senior Game, West Florida MVP, four-time MVP Mariner High School, Southwest Florida Newspress All Decade Player of the Decade, two-time Class 4A Player of the Year, Honor Roll (three years)
WILLIAM PETERS Scholarship: USS Thresher and USS Permit (SSN-594) Honor Scholarship High School: Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School, Chetek, WI Prep School: Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Cross Country, Football, Wrestling, Baseball, Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski Show Team, Badger Boys State 2019, National Honors Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Bulldog Buddies, Conservation Club, Culture Club, Ski Club, Band, Choir, 4-H Honors: ‘A’ Honor Roll (All Trimesters), Top 5 Academically, 3.92 GPA, 2020 Honor Student, Badger Boys State 2019 Representative, Billy Mychal Student Leadership Award Nominee, Student Spotlight, American Legion Outstanding Male Student Award, Scholar-Athlete in Cross Country, Football, Wrestling and Baseball (three years each), Wrestling All Conference (four years), two-time conference wrestling champion, three-time sectional qualifier, regional champion and State Finalist (second place), Most Valuable Wrestler (MVP), Most Aggressive Wrestler, Owen Knutson Heart of the Bulldog Award, Wrestling Rookie of the Year, two-time Cross Country Sportsmanship Award, Football Top DAWG Leadership Committee, Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski Show Team Member (8th in State)
Wrestling, president of the RFH Veterans Appreciation Club, RFH Habitat for Humanity Club, RFH Character Education Club, National Honor Society, RFH Civil Leaders Club, Peer Leader, TMF Team Travis & Brendan MarineCorps Marathon Team, Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run Race Director and Travis Manion Operation Legacy project leader Honors: NJSP Trooper Youth Week Commandant’s Award, Eisenhower Leadership Award Travis Manion Foundation National Spartan Award, Letter of recognition for Leadership and Service from the FBINAA, Official Proclamation from the Wall Township Committee for Efforts in Promoting, Organizing and Leading 9/11 Heroes Run
COLE PETRUSHA Scholarship: Sgt. John H. Moreno, USMC Memorial Scholarship High School: Saint Bernard’s Academy, Eureka, CA Prep School: The Kiski School, Saltsburg, PA Sports and Activities: Five-year Varsity Football player (one at Kiski), four-year Varsity Baseball player (two-time all-county star), two-year Varsity Basketball player, two-year Varsity Golf player, Varsity Swimmer (Kiski), Betty Chin Foundation Volunteer, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Volunteer Honors: Crusader Student of the Year Award, Freshman Class President, Junior Class President, ASB President, Humboldt-Del Norte County Student-Athlete Advisory Council Vice President, Humboldt County Youth Ambassador Representative
TANNER RUSSELL Scholarship: Major Matthew M. Wiegand, USMC, USNA ’08, Memorial Scholarship High School: Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT Prep School: Northwestern Preparatory School, Santa Barbara, CA Sports and Activities: Rugby captain, Wrestling captain, Football, Track, Ignite Executive mentor, Football, Leadership Council, Volunteer, School Mascot Honors: All State Football (two years), selected to represent team Montana Football, two-time runner up and four-time placer in Wrestling, State Placer in Track, All-American Rugby, Salutatorian, 4.0 GPA
MIKE PONENTI Scholarship: Coach Ed Peery Memorial Scholarship High School: Rumson Fair Haven (RFH) Regional High School, Rumson, NJ Prep School: The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ Sports and Activities: Four-year team captain and letter winner for
REED ROMO Scholarship: Class of 1964 Honor Scholarship High School: St. Mary’s High School, Annapolis, MD Prep School: Salisbury School, Salisbury, CT Sports and Activities: Varsity Crew Team, Golf, Weightlifting Fishing, lettered in Football and Lacrosse, Outdoors Club. Honors: Academic Honors List Salisbury School
HANNAH SARVER Scholarship: Lieutenant Mark Allen Prusinski (USNA ’84), Memorial Scholarship High School: Cooper City High School, Cooper City, FL Prep School: Marion Military Institute (MMI), Marion, AL Sports and Activities: High School and Club Swim Teams, MMI Knights (Armed Precision Drill Team), Miami-Dade County Council President, National Youth 19
Healthy Living Ambassador, NJROTC (Chief Staff Officer, Academic Team Commander, Unarmed Drill) Honors: Broward County Distinguished Cadet, Cooper City High School Cadet of the Year, 4-H Leader of the Legacy Award, Military Order of World Wars Award of Merit, Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge Historic Leader Award, Congressional Citizenship Award, Congressional Art Honors Award BLAKE SIMPSON Scholarship: Admiral Thomas B. Hayward Honor Scholarship High School: Central Coast New Tech High School, Nipomo, CA Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: USA Swimming at a National level, scoring in the Top 8 at both USA Junior Nationals and NCSA Junior Nationals, avid beekeeper that likes to keep bees as a hobby and teaches others the importance of bees, built an entire computer operating system from basic computer parts, drone flying, horticulture and learning to graft trees Honors: Varsity Team Captain Nipomo High School, Record Holder SMSC and Nipomo High School, Open Water Jr. National Top 10 in country, Most Valuable Nipomo High Varsity, All-League First Team YASEN SPANTA Scholarship: Major David A. Kish Memorial Scholarship High School: Patriot High School, Nokesville, VA Prep School: The Kiski School, Saltsburg, PA Sports and Activities: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Swimming, National, Math, Science and Social Studies honor societies, Key Club, Eco Club, Patriot Leadership Class Honors: Senior Class President, Varsity Soccer Captain, Varsity Soccer MVP and Top Goal scorer, Event Coordinator for Mini thon (event to raise money for pediatric cancer) GABRIEL SPENCER Scholarship: Captain William “Pat” Donnelly Memorial Scholarship High School: St. Vincent de Paul Academy, Kansas City, MO Prep School: The Kiski School, Saltsburg, PA Sports and Activities: four-year Varsity Basketball (one at Kiski), 8-man Football, Scouts (four years), Patrol L (two years) Honors: Magna Cum Laude three years, Summa Cum Laude one year, Valedictorian 20
NATHAN STEPHENS Scholarship: Captain N.F. “Red” Stein ’52, Honor Scholarship High School: Brookland High School, Brookland, AR Prep School: Marion Military Institute (MMI), Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Varsity Football, Varsity Track, Certified Diver and Lifeguard, MMI Flying Tigers, Senior Patrol Leader Troop 134, boatswain and founding member of Sea Scout Ship 413, Beta Club, JROTC, Church Choir Honors: Salutatorian, Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, Young Exceptional Scholars Internship with Arkansas State University, three-year Letterman in Varsity Football and All Conference Middle Linebacker, Brookland High School record for most tackles in a season, State Raider Champion, Governor’s Scholastic Honors and Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award RICHARD SWANN Scholarship: VADM Ted and Lynda Carter Honor Scholarship High School: Lake Highland Preparatory School, Orlando, FL Prep School: Avon Old Farms School, Avon, CT Sports and Activities: Varsity Basketball (three years) Varsity Lacrosse (two years), Founder of LHP Troop Support Club, Camp Rockmont for Boys Service and Leadership Corps, YoungLife FL, School Basketball Camp Counselor, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program Honors: President’s Silver “Points of Light” United States Volunteer Service Award, National Honor Society Induction, Varsity Basketball District/Regional Championship, Varsity Lacrosse District Championship TARA THOMPSON Scholarship: Admiral Douglas Volegnau ’59 Memorial Scholarship High School: Haverhill High School (HHS), Haverhill, MA Prep School: Georgia Military College, Milledgeville, GA Sports and Activities: Women’s Varsity Soccer, Varsity Indoor Track & Field, Varsity Track & Field, M.I.A.A. Student Ambassador, National Honor Society, Student Council, Haverhill Public Library Volunteer, Youth Summer Soccer Clinic Coach, Merrimack Valley Middle School Track Host Volunteer Honors: HHS Classical Academy Graduate, STEM Academy Graduate, Top 15 percent of Graduating Class, Varsity Soccer Captain, M.V.C. 2nd Team All-Conference Player (two years), Defender of the Year, Varsity Track & Field Captain,
M.V.C. All-Star Award (three years), M.V.C. 2nd Team All-Conference Runner (2016-2020), Charles Penta Memorial Scholarship Recipient ERIC TINGLE Scholarship: Robert and Kathleen Verratti Honor Scholarship High School: Clear Springs High School, League City, TX Prep School: Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Marion Military Institute Choir, Marion Military Institute Fire College and Marion Fire Department Volunteer, Lifeguard for Marion Military Institute, Flying Tigers Club at Marion Military Institute TREVOR TORRES Scholarship: Coach Rick Forzano Memorial Scholarship High School: D.H. Conley, Greenville, NC Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: East Carolina Aquatics Assistant Swim Coach, Boy Scout, Lifeguarding, Avid Dog Shelter Volunteer, Church Member Honors: Rookie of the Year Award, Viking Award, Conference Championship (three years), MVP Award, Regional Champions (four years), and State Finalist (three years) JULIAN TRILLING Scholarship: Captain Raymond B. “Buddy” Wellborn Memorial Scholarship High School: Georgetown Preparatory, North Bethesda, MD Prep School: Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Sports and Activities: Baseball, Elevate (Fitness), Football, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Law and Trial Internship, Aged Women’s Home of Georgetown, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference Honors: First Honors, Dean’s List, African American Academic Achievement Award
KAOSISOCHI UNINI Scholarship: Commander Robert R. Zastrow USNA ’52 Memorial Scholarship High School: Cistercian Preparatory School, Irving, TX Prep School: Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL Sports and Activities: Football, Track & Field, Company Chaplain, Company Honor and Remediation Officer, Fishing Club Honors: Student Council Cistercian Preparatory School, College Ambassador, Varsity Football (four years), All-SPC awardee, Varsity Track (three years) RYAN WAHBA Scholarship: Justine and Commander Raymond Welch, USN, Class of 1941 Memorial Scholarship High School: Severn School, Severna Park, MD Prep School: Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth, RI Sports and Activities: Four-time Varsity Sailor, Varsity Swimmer, Community Service, Finance Club, Linda’s Legacy volunteer, fifth place c420 triple crown (sailing) Honors: Two-time Severn School Headmaster’s list, two-time Portsmouth Abbey Dean’s list, Severn School Hanna Watt Award JACK WALSH Scholarship: Steve Belichick Memorial Scholarship High School: Winchester High School, Winchester, MA Prep School: Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth, RI Sports and Activities: Alpine Skiing (captain), Sailing, Cross Country, East Coast Aero Club (Private Pilot training), Sachem Choir, Interact Club, Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation Volunteer, Tech Crew, Sailing Instructor Honors: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, New England Youth Leadership Conference Outstanding Student, Sachem Leadership Award, Varsity Letters in Alpine Skiing and Sailing, Music Dept. Service Awards, Choir Secretary/Treasurer, Choir Section Leader, Interact Club Secretary
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PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER, WWW.LAURAHATCHERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
RON TERWILLIGER ’63 CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
RON TERWILLIGER ’63 CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES DEDICATED On 10-11 September Navy Athletics celebrated the success of Called to Serve, Daring to Lead: The Naval Academy Campaign and the official dedication of the Ron Terwilliger Center for Student-Athletes. “This building goes back to a vision we had many years ago, thinking about the importance of the Physical Mission and how we can accentuate the values that make the Physical Mission so much a part of the USNA mission at large. The goal of this facility is to convey the commitment to the Physical Mission in a tangible way. So much of our 22
history, traditions and achievements are now on display. This building is a reminder of what the Physical Mission means to each alumnus and midshipman,” said Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk. The Terwilliger Center was made possible through the leadership gift of Athletic and Scholarship Programs Trustee Ron Terwilliger ’63 and the generosity of many alumni, friends and Naval Academy classes. The 25,000square-foot expansion to Ricketts Hall features a number of exhibits and spaces celebrating the Physical Mission at the
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE LATTA
U.S. Naval Academy along with the history and success of Navy Athletics. “When we first started discussing this building, we started brainstorming what we might do to celebrate the uniqueness of this Academy,” said Terwilliger. “It’s been a long journey. I have had the privilege of being a part of this organization for a number of years, during which I have seen just how outstanding our midshipman are. The young people here are just so extraordinary— that’s what we wanted to celebrate.” The underlying theme of the Terwilliger Center is the affirmation that every midshipman is a student-athlete, along with the vision of “Who Will You Become” by attending the Academy. The Terwilliger Center exemplifies what it means to be a midshipman by honoring the past and celebrating the current student-athletes who compete for and represent the Academy. “I remember 60 years ago asking myself the question, ‘who will I become?’” said A&SP Chair Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch ’64, USN (Ret.). “One day I will be long gone but there will be other young men and women coming to this school from all over America who will look at this facility and learn about the quality of our distinguished graduates and our legends. They will say to themselves, ‘look who I can become.’ Because of this facility, there will be many aspiring prospective midshipmen who will step up and take on the challenge.” The $28 million Ron Terwilliger Center for Student-Athletes was the focal point for NAAA during the Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign which ended in June 2021. Other Physical Mission priorities included the renovation of the Naval Academy’s Golf Course, enhancements at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the construction of the Prager Family Squash Facility, Halsey Field House renovation, new lights and video board at Max Bishop Stadium, as well as increased and sustained support to The Fund for Athletic Excellence. Overall for the campaign, $111 million was raised in support of the Physical Mission to provide “Margin of Excellence” resources to all Navy Athletics teams to help them continue to excel at a championship level.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND CEO BYRON F. MARCHANT ’78; ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHET GLADCHUK; A&SP CHAIR RADM THOMAS C. LYNCH ’64, USN (RET.); RON TERWILLIGER ’63; AND SUPERINTENDENT VADM SEAN BUCK ’83, USN, CUT THE DEDICATION RIBBON AT THE RON TERWILLIGER ’63 CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
THIS BLUE ANGELS REPLICA CAN BE SEEN INSIDE THE RON TERWILLIGER ’63 CENTER FOR STUDENTATHLETES
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHET GLADCHUK AND HIS WIFE KATHY (IN RED), STAND ALONGSIDE RON TERWILLIGER ’63 AND HIS FAMILY AS TERWILLIGER RECEIVES A FRAMED ILLUSTRATION OF THE RON TERWILLIGER ’63 CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
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GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! 25 Maryland Avenue • Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-295-4095 • 1-800-468-7623 www.usna.com/asp
