Brown accepted to U.S. Naval Academy

Brown accepted to U.S. Naval Academy

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Marion High School Senior William E. Brown is true Patriot. The young man, who uses his initials to spell out his preferred nickname, Web, has received notice that he has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy.

Web has seriously pursued a military academy appointment since his sophomore year. A former Midshipman served to urge him on through a rigorous application process – a process that included nominations from the Arkansas congressional delegation.

“A family friend, Tom Patella, class of ‘65, opened me up to the idea.”

said Web. “I always knew he was in the navy, but I never knew what the naval academy was. The beginning of my sophomore year I told my parents that’s what I wanted to do. I asked for their help to back me up with everything it would entail.”

The idea of a military academy experience opens up a whole new world for the aspiring student. Web has been to the school to take a tour and interview as a candidate for appointment.

“I’ve been twice – once for a candidate visit weekend and once for the summer seminar,” said Web.

“The summer session is like going to the school for a week. They do all your physical training and pick classes.”

Web was impressed with the surroundings of Baltimore and the alumni list.

“It’s a French-style campus, with white granite and an active military base” said Web. “It’s in the middle the city, but its really cut off. It is a beautiful campus full of history.

Presidents and astronauts go there.”

Multiple applications are required. Web covered all the bases by applying at each of the major service academies, but was delighted with Navy. Web also gained support from U.S. Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman, and Congressman Rick Crawford.

“You also apply to your two senators and congressman and have to have their nominations to get into the school,” said Web. “After all this comes medical and physical exams to make sure you are qualified to enter the school. Then I had interviews with the senators and congressman and interview panels from the academy.”

It was a successful process for Brown, as he landed nominations to West Point, the Air Force Academy, and his top choice, the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

“After that, it is still a waiting game for the academy to pick you,” said Web. “They only take up to eight students a year from Arkansas.”

Web’s grade point average at Marion High School is the stratosphere. He took

By John Rech