Congressman Neal Nominates Hoosac Valley Student to Annapolis
CHESHIRE, Mass. — One of Hoosac Valley High School's best will be headed for the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis this summer.
Jared Haley of Adams is the first Hurricane in recent memory to obtain an appointment to the academy. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was on hand Tuesday morning to present his congressional nomination before Haley's family, teachers, and coaches.
"This is a great day for the community and congratulations to the United States of America," the congressman said.
Neal said the application process is "rigorous" and competitive. Candidates to the five service academies must be nominated by their congressional representative, have high test scores and high grade-point averages, but also show citizenship and partake in community service
Neal said his office generally hears from interested applicants in the ninth or 10th grade. Hundreds apply, but only about 8 percent are finally accepted.
Haley thanked all those who made his nomination possible.
"I am fortunate enough to say that I will be part of the Annapolis Naval Academy class of 2020, but what you don't see is the countless hours put in and the resources put in by teachers, by parents, and by coaches," Haley said. "It is something that I value tremendously ... and as much as this is an accomplishment for me, I wouldn't be here without you guys."
Neal agreed.
"One of the reasons that I wanted to stop by today was to not only point out Jared's accomplishment, which is rare by any standards, but to also call attention to what happens here at Hoosac Valley," Neal said. "It's an opportunity to give the teachers a pat on the back, acknowledge school committee members, and the family members because this doesn't just happen."
Neal said he has nominated many others throughout the state in his time as congressman.
"I think it highlights the role the academies play in our lives because they come from every walk of American life," Neal said. "It is very egalitarian and in terms of the financial side of things, it is close to a half-a-million dollar scholarship. That is significant and I think it ranks with the Ivy League schools that make the best colleges and universities in America."
The 170-year academy educates officers for the Navy and Marines; graduates are commissioned as ensigns or second lieutenants and have to serve at least five years.
Principal Jeremiah Ames could find no record of a Hoosac Valley student receiving a congressional nomination to a military academy. But at least one was made back in 1982, when Diane Koczela received an appointment. After graduating from Annapolis, she served for 20 years and retired from the Navy.
Katherine Dabrowski graduated from the academy in 1982.
Bryan Clairmont, a 1993 Hoosac graduate, received his nomination from former U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, and graduated in 1997. His classmate, Justin Coussoule, also was nominated to West Point that same year and graduated in 1997. Christopher Tarsa, class of 1991, graduated from Annapolis in 1995. (Thanks to Pat and Larry Clairmont for this information.)
Haley said will be sad to leave Adams but has wanted to join the Navy since entering high school.
"It is going to be a sad day on induction day when I have to leave you all but I will be back and that's what I look forward to," he said.
After the presentation Neal toured the building and visited a seventh grade social studies class.
Correction: The principal could not find any indications of a prior U.S. Naval Academy appointment, but we were informed by email that Diane Koczela had entered Annapolis in 1982. If anyone knows of other U.S. Naval Academy appointments from Hoosac, please let us know at info@iberkshires.com.
Tags: ACRSD, HVHS, naval academy, service academy,
