East Aurora Senior 1st Admitted To U.S. Naval Academy Since 2011

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

AURORA, IL — While many of East Aurora’s top students apply, and occasionally are offered admission, to institutions of higher education that have acceptance rates below 10%, very few students in our history can claim the honor of being admitted to one of the United States Service Academies. The service academies are considered among the finest academic institutions in the world. To gain acceptance, not only does an applicant have to have stellar academic performance, but also must have demonstrated high moral character and leadership potential, and be in peak physical condition. Traditional benchmarks for highly selective institutions of higher education like transcripts, GPA, SAT scores, and letters of recommendation from teachers are considered in the admission process. Additionally, however, most service academies also require a medical examination, a fitness assessment, and a nomination from a member of Congress. All associated costs of a student’s education, housing and boarding, are fully covered. In turn, students are fully enlisted in the military branch for which their academy serves, and must commit to a minimum term of duty as commissioned officers within the military upon graduation.

It is with great pride that East Aurora District 131 recognizes graduating senior Karina Perez Zuniga for the singular honor and accomplishment of being admitted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Karina was kind enough to answer questions about her experience and offer insight and advice to future Tomcat graduates.

What made you decide to participate in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) at East Aurora High School?

KPZ: Joining NJROTC was a decision made out of a desire to get outside my comfort zone and try something new in high school. It has taken me places I wouldn’t replace with anything and given me invaluable opportunities. I have made life-long connections with instructors and students. Being with the same instructors through all 4 years creates a special and unique bond with each one of them.

What have been the best parts of your NJROTC experience?

KPZ: The best part of the NJROTC experience has been the opportunities to lead. The leadership opportunities are unique and offer challenges most kids don’t have the opportunity to experience. It has made me a better follower in the classroom and better leader outside of the classroom. I have found the person I want to be through incredible mentors and competitive peers who push me to my full potential.

How did you decide that you were interested in pursuing military service after high school?

KPZ: When I came to the realization that sacrifice is inevitable in achieving success was when I decided to pursue military service after high school. Overcoming the challenges of basic leadership training, drill, and leadership responsibilities has greatly impacted my character. As a wise friend once said, “even heaven requires death.”

What lead you to consider applying to a service academy?

KPZ: My journey towards the service academy began with a nudge from our former Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) who saw my potential and encouraged me to consider a service academy. I never intended to serve, even though I really enjoyed NJROTC. However, after researching the Academy and doing college visit after college visit with Upward Bound, I realized I couldn’t see myself anywhere other than the Naval Academy. I wanted to be able to say I was the first from East Aurora (in a long time) to attend a service academy and show those after me that they belong in institutions of higher education. I wanted to show that students from East can do anything anyone else can.

How did you find the application process?

KPZ: I used many resources to assist with the application process. It started with encouragement from our former SNSI to pursue the US Naval Academy. From there, he and others helped get me into contact with alumni and former cadets on their experience with the process. I sought out resources and programs that help students get into service academies and information on what makes an application stand out. I listened to Podcasts, read books, and did everything to educate myself on the admissions process. I had to believe I was already in, and that all I was doing was the work necessary to get there.

Do you have any advice for younger Tomcats that may want to apply to the Service Academies or other extremely selective institutions of higher education?

KPZ: I would tell younger Tomcats they belong in higher education and are worthy of being there. There are many opportunities and resources that can help you get where you want to, so long as you decide that you want it and give it your all. *

*Karina offered to answer any individual questions that current or future East High students might have. To ask Karina a question click here.

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.