Three NHS seniors earn coveted spots at military academies

It’s difficult to get admitted into a United States military academy, an educational institution that prepares soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines to become commissioned officers.

For a sense of how hard it is, consider this: U.S. News and World Reports magazine estimates the acceptance rate for the Naval Academy at 11%, the same as the exclusive University of California at Berkley, and the Air Force Academy at 13%, the same as Notre Dame University.

Despite the odds, however, three Newberg High School seniors have been admitted to military academies this year: Nathan Call to the Air Force Academy and Isaac Hampton and Trevor Johnson to the Naval Academy.

Just getting one student admitted could be seen as a coup. To be eligible, applicants must meet physical, medical and character requirements on top of the extensive academic requirements. Applicants also need a nomination from a member of the Senate or Congress or the vice president. Each of these big-name nominators may only nominate five individuals to an academy at a time, making it even more challenging for applicants to receive a nomination.

With all of these weighty requirements in mind, the trio nominated from NHS constitute 1% of the graduates from the school district this year, but they are shining a bright light on the Class of 2024.

Up in the sky and out on the ocean

For Call, Hampton and Johnson, entrances into their respective military academies can be a launch to their careers. Call said he plans to rise up into the sky as a future pilot, intending to study aeronautical engineering at the naval academy.

“I feel super blessed; it's nice to see all this hard work come together,” said Call, who is also an NHS valedictorian. “I’ve always been interested in space and planes. I’m taking physics; I’ve heard that (understanding physics) is the best way to become a test pilot for military planes.”

Johnson said he is also considering going airborne but as a naval pilot (or potentially, an explosives disposal expert). He’s also planning to study chemistry in route to becoming a doctor. While at the academy, he hopes to build on his character.

“I’m looking to become a better leader because that’s what the academy is about,” he said.

Like Johnson, Hampton plans to go into the sciences, but he will be studying oceanography. He hopes to one day serve aboard a U.S. Navy ship and travel across oceans.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean, that’s why I want to be in the Navy,” he said.

Tips on applying to a military academy

Call, Hampton and Johnson appear to have it all figured out, but how did they do it? Amazing grade-point averages and test scores? All three of them said their success wasn’t just about their grades.

“They want to see you push yourself,” Johnson said.

For example, Call noted that students who took Advance Placement classes and didn't get a perfect GPA would be of greater interest to a military academy than those who received a 4.0 GPA, but took fewer challenging courses. He added that a diverse resume is key, denoting a well-rounded candidate.

Since there are physical requirements, it also helps that all three of them are athletes.

Call participated in track this year and played three years of football and basketball, noted Ronni Cook, NHS’ athletics/activities secretary. Johnson participated in football, wrestling and baseball for four years at NHS. Hampton is a three-time state champion in wrestling.

In addition to staying fit and being well-rounded, Hampton advised students interested in applying to a military academy to get started on their application as soon as possible.

It’s all good advice from three strong sources who are talented, high-achieving students. They rose to the top, gaining entry to military academies with 11% to 13% admission rates. And they have given 100% of the school district community members another reason to be proud of students.