Senior Jaxon Harris Accepted Into the Naval Academy
by Grace Armogida
Wednesday, senior Jaxon Harris was accepted into one of the nation’s most prestigious military academies. With the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication that goes into applying, Harris was given a spot at the Naval Academy.
Harris commented on the time leading up to this, “I wanted to apply to the Naval Academy after Mrs. Chavez told me about it and all of the great benefits and opportunities that come along with making the commitment.” The process of applying and being eligible for the academy is time consuming, but Harris was set on getting accepted.
“It was a very long and difficult process. First, you have to go through the lengthy process of the initial application. While I was doing that, I had to apply to three separate nomination sources, the senator, and congressmen (you have to have a nomination to be appointed). Then, I had to conduct an interview with all of them to receive a nomination. I got one from the senator, but then I had to wait a long time to hear back from the academy. But I have thought about being accepted everyday, so it’s a dream come true,” explained Harris.
When Harris received an email from the academy offering him acceptance there were many emotions that overcame him, “I was really surprised when I found out. I was in disbelief and couldn’t stop smiling. I don’t think I’ll be weighing any other options. I’m pretty set on making the commitment to the Naval Academy and the Naval Service.”
For anyone that is thinking of applying to the Naval Academy, Harris has some advice, “My advice would be to keep your grades very high, start the application early, and as soon as you can, apply to the Naval Academy’s summer seminar.”
Principal Tracey Franklin was filled with joy when she heard the news. “I think it’s one of the highest honors when a high school has someone accepted into one of those prestigious academies,” said Franklin. “It exemplifies really everything that you want out of a student because the academy isn’t just going to accept a great student or the great athlete. You need to have a very well rounded resume so when a child gets accepted to something as prestigious as the Naval Academy, or any of those, you know that it’s because they dedicated themselves to extracurriculars and they’ve dedicated themselves to their academics. The other piece is that they demonstrate good character and overall wellbeing to their community.”
For Franklin this is an honor for her as well, “For me as a principal, when you hear a kid get that kind of designation that kind of honors — you’re incredibly proud and excited for that individual because you know that’s been years and years of hard work because of how difficult it is to get in.”
Moving forward, Franklin has some advice for Harris. “The biggest thing would be never take where his is for granted,” said Franklin. “I’ve been there many times for different reasons whether it be on a field trip with my child or to a Navy football game, and I think it is truly one of the highest honors to be able to walk and be present in an academy like that. So never take it for granted. It’s gonna be tough, it’s gonna be difficult and it will probably be harder than anything he has ever done. But just to remind himself that he’s there for a reason because he’s one of the best and he was an elite to get there and when things get tough to tap back into the strength and the credentials that got him there in the first place because he’s gonna need that on the tough days. But there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’ll get through it.”
Football Coach Joe Polce has been coaching Harris for a while and is extremely proud, “I feel very proud. It’s a great accomplishment for Jaxon and his family because he’s worked really really hard. There’s a sense of pride being his coach and I know he’ll represent Walkersville well and in a positive light.” Harris getting accepted did not come as a surprise for Polce. “I’m not surprised. I think Jaxon has worked really hard and he was in ROTC at TJ and he’s done all the right things his four years here, so I was expecting him to get in,” said Polce.
There was no doubt that Harris had an astounding work ethic that he displayed to Polce through years of playing football for him. “He’s a guy that has worked extremely hard since I first coached him when he was in fifth grade,” Polce said. “So he’s always been a guy that has done everything that we’ve asked him to do, and I think he’s a great fit for the Naval Academy.”
Some advice that Polce has for Harris is to, “Keep doing what you’re doing, continue to work hard and continue to show leadership skills. He’s a quiet guy but he does lead by example, and has done all the right things. So just continue to do that and he’ll do big things at the Naval Academy.”
