Alva Review-Courier -

Taylor Pollock will graduate from South Barber High School Saturday as one of the top two in her class – she is Salutatorian. Excelling in math and science, she's accumulated nine college credit hours during her rigorous academic schedule that culminated with a 3.97 GPA.

It's not surprising that U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (Kansas 4th District) used his one nomination to offer Pollock an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, founded in 1845. At the SBHS Awards Assembly last week, Estes field representative Roger Erickson spoke of her appointment. Looking at her resume, Erickson said that Pollock "looked great on paper," but after meeting her the committee was most impressed by her "character, intelligence and potential as a leader." Erickson advised any underclassmen wanting to earn such an appointment to have a minimum ACT score of 27 and said in the 30s is preferred. "Take challenging classes," he said, "four years of math and science." Be active with volunteerism in your community and church and get physically fit. That basically described Pollock's resume.

June 27 she is will embark on a summer adventure like no other – called Plebe Summer. It's an introduction of the basic how-tos of the Navy – a time to transform civilians into midshipmen. Aboard Naval Academy sailboats, plebes learn to respect the power of wind and current; the basics of seamanship, navigation and boat handling. On the weapons range, they learn how to fire small arms safely and accurately. Plebes learn why the Navy has high standards of honor, character and conduct. The time allows individuals to develop their own ideas about leadership and the techniques that will make them an effective leader.

This will be a time of personal challenge as she must cut her hair above shoulder length, have no cell phone and only three 30 minute phone calls home throughout the six week period. She can write letters and receive mail. Parent visitation is at the end of the six weeks. Is she ready for that drastic time? "I don't know," she replied honestly, but said her focus is on the opportunities awaiting her by attending the Naval Academy.

This appointment entitles Pollock to four years of college at the esteemed institution, and is enlisted as an officer for five years. She will be a general science major with a minor in engineering. She said an engineering degree is guaranteed. She's not sure what career she'll pursue, possibly medicine. The Naval Academy prepares students to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Those students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy.

Pollock became interested in applying for the academy because of her older Kiowa

family friend Moira (Kimmel) Jones who graduated recently from the Naval Academy. When Kimmel got married she had a full military ceremony in Kiowa. "I was impressed with the quality of people (their Naval Academy friends) at her wedding," Pollock said. Visiting with Kimmel about her experiences there assured Pollock that's what she wanted to pursue.

A rigorous physical fitness plan is pushed at the Naval Academy. Pollock said she'll pursue tennis, a sport that qualified her for state two years in high school. In her personal statement for the application process, she wrote, "I learned that hard work really does pay off. My work ethic and my leadership skills grew tremendously through tennis. I learned that perseverance is the key to success."

She further wrote in that statement about her family's influence that gave her a love for military service and sacrifice. Pollock wants the same direction for her life. She is the daughter of Mark and Krista Pollock of Kiowa. "I'm really excited about this amazing opportunity. I'm thankful I'm in a small school so I could be involved in everything. This town will always be my home, but I realize there is more out there to experience than just Kiowa.

Looking to her"This town will always be my hoThey attend the academy for four years, graduating with bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy adjacent to Annapolis, Maryland. Established on 10 October 1845, under Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, it is the second oldest of the United States' five service academies, and educates officers for commissioning primarily into the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The 338-acre campus is located on the former grounds of Fort Severn at the confluence of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County, 33 miles east of Washington, D.C. and 26 miles southeast of Baltimore. The entire campus is a National Historic Landmark and home to many historic sites, buildings, and monuments. It replaced Philadelphia Naval Asylum, in Philadelphia, that served as the first United States Naval Academy from 1838 to 1845 when the Naval Academy formed in Annapolis.

Plebe Summer introduces you to the basic how-tos of the Navy as well. Aboard Naval Academy sailboats, you learn to respect the power of wind and current. You learn the basics of seamanship, navigation and boat handling. On the weapons range, you learn how to fire small arms safely and accurately. You also learn why we have high standards of honor, character and conduct. And, you begin to develop your own ideas about leadership and the techniques that will make you an effective leader.