Naval Academy Student Shares Experience With Community

Summit High School class of 2010 graduate Carey Fries returned to her hometown Monday to share her experience as a United States Naval Academy Midshipman First Class with students, residents and neighboring communities.

Facilitated by Summit Councilman Patrick Hurley, Naval Academy class of 1987, Fries met with SHS students Monday morning and will speak with middle schoolers and their parents at 3:15 p.m. Monday at Lawton C. Johnson Middle School in the Orchestra Room (Room 160). Fries will offer another presentation Monday evening as American Legion Post 322 and the Summit Elks host an information session about the Academy at 8 p.m. at the Elks Club, located at 40 Maple Street in Summit.

Fries, who visited the Naval Academy in the spring of her junior year at SHS, said she liked what she saw and then followed up with Hurley, who serves as a Blue and Gold admissions officer in Summit and Millburn. The two explained that when it comes to pursuing admittance to the elite institution, exhibiting leadership skills and well-roundedness are as important as outstanding academic achievements.

Hurley said one of the most difficult conversations he has occurs when a student with tremendous potential "didn't do the things that they needed to do." Taking honors or advanced placement classes, participating in sports and clubs and fulfilling a leadership role starting freshman year of high school are all key components when seeking entry to one of the U.S. service academies.

Fries is a pioneer, Hurley joked, in bringing that message to middle schoolers to motivate them in getting a jump start should they consider applying down the road.

Fries, who will graduate on May 23, 2014, should learn more about her own future as a Surface Warfare Officer within the next week. 

"I find out officially December 4th," said Fries. "I'll go on a ship for 30 days after I graduate. I'll report to my first ship and I'll be an Auxiliaries Officer, Weapons Officer, whatever position they need filled on the ship. I'll be on that ship for 18 months."

Fries said though she feels like she graduated from SHS "yesterday," she is looking forward to starting the next chapter of her life. Following that assignment, the Naval Officer will serve on a second ship before beginning her 'Shore Tour' during her fouth year.  

When comparing her college experience to that of her peers who have not attended a service academy, Fries said she feels the real-world experience she has gained has made her more well-rounded.

"I've been on the fleet for the past three summers," Fries said. Hurley added that members of the fleet come from all walks of life, fostering a unique environment.

For those considering applying to a service academy, Fries suggests doing as much research as possible. Visiting the school, meeting with Blue and Gold officers, as well as current Midshipmen and alumni can all help determine if the academy will be the right fit. 

"A lot of people don't know what they're getting themselves into," said Fries, who added that some students who arrive for their first year don't realize uniforms are required. 

Hurley said the first question he asks a candidate when they come before a nominations board is, "Where do you see yourself seven years from now?" While the answer should be "as an officer" in one of the armed forces, Hurley said half the time, candidates, particularly in this area, say they see themselves "as a bond trader at Morgan Stanley," which lets the board know the candidate "doesn't really have a clue what they're getting themselves into."

Fries said while she initially hadn't thought of attending a service academy, after learning more about the structured environment and real-life opportunities, she knows she made the right choice. She will visit Millburn High School Tuesday to offer students insight in the application process.