From Glendale Prep to the U.S. Naval Academy

David Vosekalns, a recent graduate of Glendale Prep has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He will be officially inducted on June 25th, marking the beginning of six challenging weeks of basic midshipman training.

“David was one of about 16,000 students from throughout the nation who applied for one of the approximately 1,200 appointments to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2030,” explained his Blue and Gold Officer (BGO), Sue Wester, a volunteer field representative of the Naval Academy Admissions Office. “In receiving his appointment, David was recognized for his citizenship, athleticism, scholarship, and moral character as being worthy to join the brigade of midshipman and become a U.S. military officer.”

As part of the Naval Academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, Vosekalns is required to participate in Plebe Summer. During this time, he will have no access to television, movies, the internet, or music, and restricted access to cell phones. They are only permitted to make two calls during the six weeks of training. According to the Naval Academy’s press release, “The pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help plebes prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years of challenge that awaits them.”

While Vosekalns received a digital acceptance back in May, Wester presented him with his official offer of appointment at the office of Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh in Surprise, Ariz. “Today, it’s my distinct pleasure to have the opportunity to recognize the significant honor David has earned,” shared Wester to the small gathering of family and congressman’s staff.

Congressman Hamadeh, who gave him his nomination to the Naval Academy, was unable to attend the presentation, but Vosekalns did get to meet him earlier this year at his Washington D.C. office during his senior trip with his classmates from Glendale Prep.

He is grateful, wide-eyed, and optimistic for this extraordinary opportunity and all the doors it is opening up for him. “I’m just dumbstruck still processing it,” he said. “I just know that this is where the Lord’s led me and I’m still processing it.”

Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is a prestigious four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to be professional officers in the naval service. Vosekalns said he feels that Glendale Prep has prepared him for his continued education, since they also emphasized the formation of his intellectual and moral virtue through the classical pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries make up the student body, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen. Midshipmen learn from military and civilian instructors and participate in intercollegiate varsity sports and extracurricular activities. They also study subjects such as leadership, ethics, small arms, drill, seamanship and navigation, tactics, naval engineering and weapons, and military law. Upon graduation, midshipmen earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a choice of 26 different subject majors and go on to serve at least five years of service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy. Vosekalns plans to study and pursue a career in engineering.

Join Great Hearts in congratulating David Vosekalns, a Class of 2026 Glendale Prep graduate and now a member of the United States Naval Academy’s Class of 2030. Go Navy!

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