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High School Senior Earns Appointment To United States Naval Academy

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Tuesday January 31, 2017

By Cookie Steponaitis

Rutland High School Senior Ben Howard became interested in being an aviator at a very young age. His parents introduced him to a two parents and their children. Both parents were former military pilots and later flew commercial planes for Southwest Airlines. During his sophomore year of high school cadet Chris LeFrancois from the U.S. Naval Academy came to Rutland High School to speak. LeFrancois is a former RHS student who met with Howard and a path was set. “My football coach who has played a vital role in my life told me I should meet with Mr. LeFrancois and learn about the Naval Academy. After the meeting I realized what I wanted to do with my life. From there I began to research and shortly thereafter visited all of the military academies to find out which one I would like to dedicate a large portion of my future towards. I realized that in order to become a commercial pilot I would need hundreds of hours of flying experience. I also realized that the best way to earn these hours was through the military.”
Howard grew up with a great deal of respect for the men and women who defend America and understood that this commitment means one day possibly having to make the ultimate sacrifice and give his life for others. “I feel that I have something to give my country,” shared the Rutland senior, “and that I should return the favors and freedoms that have been granted to me.” Howard spent a great deal of time researching the application process and found that it is no easy task. In addition to applying to the Naval Academy an applicant must secure a nomination from the state senator or congressman. There are multiple essays and letters of recommendation and a medical examination and fitness test. “If anyone is interested in applying to a military academy I would recommend to research the process early and get everything in as early as possible.”
   While Howard explained the application process is daunting, it really is just the beginning of the intense training and lifestyle while living at the military academies. “I plan on accepting the appointment unless I am offered an appointment at the United States Air Force Academy,” commented Howard. “It is a hard decision to make between the two schools, but when I narrow it down it comes down to my desired major. As a member of the USAFA I would like to study Aeronautical Engineering and I could pursue a career as a U.S. Air Force test pilot. However, I would be just as grateful to accept my appointment to the Naval Academy and will still pursue a career in aviation.”
Howard’s parents Steve and Tammy Howard shared that when the phone call came they felt extremely proud and emotional. “It was very emotional to see Ben’s hard work rewarded in the most honorable way,” shared mom Tammy Howard. “It’s been inspiring to watch his journey. He set his sights on becoming a pilot very early on and he has been on that path and working toward that goal since that time. It has been a lot of hard work and he never wavered and he has faced every challenge with relentless determination.”
All members of the Howard family strongly suggest to other teens interested in pursuing an application to the military academies to research and start early in high school. While parents play a critical role the journey through the application process is one that the student must take on their own and be ready to meet challenges along the way. “Ben’s father and I have been there with him along the way. When things would get overwhelming we would just remind him to take one task at a time and keep his eye on the prize. And that is something he will have to keep doing because the real work hasn’t begun yet.” The Valley Voice salutes Ben Howard and wishes him a smooth journey as he pursues his dreams and works to defend the people, state and nation he loves.

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