Miss Josephine Collins, the daughter of Richard and Julie Collins of Steilacoom, has accepted her appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy Scholars (CGAS) Program. Miss Collins has been a student in Steilacoom schools since kindergarten. She will report to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) located in New London, CT in July 2009, and eventually will then report to her designated Preparatory School for the following ten months, after successfully completing the prep school she will return to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in June 2010 as a “SWAB / Cadet” for the graduating class of 2014.
Miss Lindsay Boyd, the daughter of Major Rodney and Giselle Boyd of Steilacoom, has accepted her appointment to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS). Miss Boyd moved to Steilacoom late last summer from Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. She will report to the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School located in Newport, RI in July 2009 for ten months, after successfully completing the prep school she will report to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis in June 2010 as a “PLEBE / Midshipman” for the graduating class of 2014.
These ladies have worked very hard for many years toward their goals and they both look forward to the extra year of “prep” school to prepare for the rigors of their chosen academy. To be accepted to these programs applicants must pass strict guidelines to include academics, physical tests, medical evaluations, community involvement, athletics and leadership qualities.
Both ladies were also accepted to other academy programs; Collins to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Prep and Boyd to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program, which they both have declined. Each also received their required Congressional nominations from Congressman Adam Smith.
Miss Collins would like to continue her education after the USCGA and eventually work as a marine scientist on a research vessel in Antarctica for the U.S. Coast Guard. Miss Boyd hopes to continue her education after the USNA and looks forward to a degree in medicine and serving in the U.S. Navy.
The academies believe these young ladies “have what it takes” and have given them the opportunity to succeed. Since each will be attending an extra year of college this is a five year investment by the Academies and the ladies. Upon graduation in 2014, both will be commissioned as Ensigns in their chosen branch of service.
These scholarships to these top rated schools are worth $320,000+ each and these young ladies have done themselves, their families, Steilacoom High School and Steilacoom Historical School district a great honor with their appointments. They will be the leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations to two outstanding young women, we are all very proud.