Motivated students from northeastern and central Pennsylvania prepare for military academies

Jack Gibson grew up around two uncles who served in the military, but it was his experience as a volunteer firefighter that most influenced his decision to attend a U.S. military academy.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, (but) I knew I wanted to serve in some way,” he said.

As the summer progresses, Gibson and many other recently graduated high school seniors are committing to their higher education choices.

For a select few in Pennsylvania, the next step is the U.S. Military Academy. The admissions process for an academy is lengthy and highly competitive. Prospective recruits must obtain a congressional nomination and are then selected from among other applicants to attend the academy of their choice.

If accepted, or “appointed,” students receive a fully paid college experience with the obligation to serve in the military for five years after graduation.

Gibson, a graduate of Danville Area High School, will attend the Merchant Marine Academy. He was one of 21 candidates nominated for the academy by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. His experience as a firefighter helped him stand out in a competitive field of applicants.

Gibson began volunteering during his junior year of high school. As a firefighter, he salvaged a family photo album from a building fire. He was also part of a four-man water rescue team that saved a woman’s life. Those moments, he says, solidified his intention to attend a military academy.

“I’ve had a lot of great opportunities and experiences that I think have really prepared me for this moment… it’s just a great feeling to be able to help the people around you,” he said.

REMARKABLE GRADUATES

In addition to senators like Casey’s nominations, each congressional district also has its own candidates.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced earlier this month that nine students from Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District have been selected to attend U.S. military academies. The congressman expressed admiration for the young men and women who will serve their country.

“These are exceptional young people – people from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania… they have demonstrated all the incredible ways that young people are involved in our communities… I hope to see them become exceptional military leaders and lead very productive lives,” he said.

ACADEMY ATHLETE

Jayna McIntyre, a senior at Scranton Preparatory School, was nominated by Cartwright. She attends the Merchant Marine Academy to play basketball and lacrosse.

For McIntyre, balancing his time between studies and sports is nothing new.

“It’s really going to be about compartmentalization and discipline… basketball’s not going to be the most important thing while I’m there, and neither is lacrosse, and those things are earned based on my academic performance… I can’t play basketball or lacrosse if I don’t have good grades. I don’t have a choice – either I do what I have to do or I don’t do it at all,” McIntyre said.

McIntyre had two grandparents who served in the military – one in the Navy and one in the Army.

Seeing how they behaved, she decided to go to military school. She had originally planned to attend Norwich University, a military academy in Vermont. However, after being recruited by the head lacrosse coach of the Merchant Marines, her mind was made up.

McIntyre said playing sports taught her a lot about leadership and helped prepare her for the next four years.

“Learning to be courageous, to persevere and to be resilient in the face of situations that don’t always have the best outcomes or the happiest outcome” was one of the biggest lessons learned in high school, McIntyre said.

DOUBLE THE DEDICATION

Cartwright also named twins, James and Gineva Reese. They will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. The couple graduated from Abington Heights High School.

After graduation, the twins spent a year at Georgia Military College as part of the Naval Academy Foundation Scholars Program. Gineva said the experience prepared her for Annapolis.

“I feel much better prepared to go to the Naval Academy now. My running was horrible before my senior year, so it took me another year to improve my running time and feel more comfortable with it,” she said.

James and Gineva’s parents both served as Navy officers. James admitted that coming from a military family influenced his decision to attend an academy today.

“Growing up, the Navy was something I was always around… I would say the Navy worked as hard to raise me as they did, and it wouldn’t feel right to live my life without giving back to the organization that gave me so much,” he said.

PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

For Jack Gibson, Jayna McIntyre, James and Gineva Reese, and dozens of other students across the state, they are driven by a strong desire to serve.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of something bigger,” McIntyre said. “I want to be a part of something that’s going to make a difference for all the citizens of the United States and the world. I just want to be a part of something that’s going to make people feel good.”

WVIA reached out to U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser about his military academy nominations but has not heard back from his office.