Heritage Hall News

Three Heritage Hall Seniors Appointed to Elite Service Academies

Three seniors from Heritage Hall's class of 2016 have received appointments to the nation's top military academies – the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.

Gonzalo Borrego Acosta, Tevin McDaniel, and Paige Miles were recognized in a ceremony held May 12 on the Heritage Hall campus, with representatives from the respective branches presenting formal appointments for the academies' candidates.
Acceptance to any of these highly elite academies is rare, and represents the successful culmination of an extremely competitive selection process, which includes a congressional nomination. To be selected, students must have exceptional academic records and rank within the top tier of their class, demonstrate strong leadership, and have impeccable character.

"These schools are grooming future leaders of the United States military," commented Heritage Hall Director of College Counseling Marshall Gray. "They are looking for scholars and highly capable students in terms of integrity and leadership," he said, noting that the academies' stringent admission requirements and low acceptance rates make the application process quite intensive.

"When you understand just how selective the process is, you get a better sense of how high caliber these students are. I'm very proud of their accomplishments," Gray said.
Pointing out the uniqueness of the acceptances, Gray stated, "It's exciting to have one student accepted to one of the military institutions a year. For a school without any military affiliation to have a student accepted to each of the three best-known academies in the same year is as impressive as it is rare."

Gonzalo Borrego Acosta was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Inspired to apply to West Point by the opportunity to challenge himself, to make a difference in the world, and to protect his country, Borrego Acosta said, "I plan to serve in the military well beyond my required service. I aspire to be an aviator and a worthy leader for those under my command." Gonzalo is the son of Grace Gallardo and Jose Maria Borrego Acosta.

Tevin McDaniel was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, where he will resume his impressive career as a scholar-athlete on the Falcons' football team. After three visits to the Air Force Academy campus, McDaniel said he had established solid connections with the coaches and students. He now looks forward to joining them in late June, where he plans to study physical therapy or behavioral science. "I know that attending the academy will provide many opportunities, not only while I'm in school, but after I graduate," McDaniel said. Tevin is the son of Kartina and Michael McDaniel.

Paige Miles was appointed to the United States Naval Academy. An All State volleyball player, Miles will continue her athletic career at the collegiate level. "The Naval Academy fit my desire for a top school academically," Miles said. " I absolutely fell in love with the discipline, the opportunities, and the dedication to excellence and the selfless service to others," she recalled of her initial academy visit. "I look forward to being pushed past my limits in every facet of life, whether it be leadership, service, academics, or athletics," Miles said, adding that her plans include medical school and the Naval Medical Corps, or engineering. "I'd like to be a naval engineer or pilot." Paige is the daughter of Laura and Clay Miles.

Upon graduating from their respective academies, each of these students will be commissioned officers.

View ceremony on Charger Vision.
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