The U.S. Naval Academy wants candidates with top academic skills, especially in math and science, as well as integrity, toughness and a strong work ethic, according to its website.
Those happen to be some of the same qualities Kit Gormley, a Tinley Park High School junior has nurtured in herself for years, with the help of her parents and teachers. She applied and was invited to shadow a midshipman at the academy, observing the grinding schedule and sitting in on classes. She’ll be attending a summer seminar there in June and then applying to the academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
“She’s a phenomenal student with a great work ethic, intelligent, thoughtful, always did all her work, studied hard,” said Pietro Sansone, who taught Gormley in his AP physics class as a freshman and coaches her in soccer, where she is a captain. “She pushes herself so much at what she does. “The self discipline, when you think of military discipline — she’s well on her way.”
Gormley thrives on AP courses but also pushes herself as an athlete. She also likes the idea of serving in the military because her grandfather was a Marine.
Outside of school, she plays on a club soccer team, works as a caddie at a country club and enjoys crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
“I talked about my competitive drive to be one of the best of the best,” Gormley said of her essay that got her into the summer seminar. “I like to be on the top and am always working to better myself.”
To be accepted into the Naval Academy, she will need a nomination from a U.S. senator or the vice president.
Gormley also has a passion for architecture. She hopes to study naval architecture/marine engineering in the Naval Academy, where she would learn how to design and build boats.
“From a young age, I’ve always had an interest in drawing blueprints and stuff, growing up I’d do blueprint of the house I would imagine,” Gormley said. “Just the idea of hands-on and creating new things.”
She said her parents have had a big influence on her, along with her brother, a sophomore at Tinley Park High School and her sister, who will be a freshman there next year.
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“They pushed us to be the best we possibly can, always encouraging us and pushing us to strive for more,” Gormley said.
But she also inherited compassion, which the navy values.
“She’s also encouraging, doesn’t get down on her teammates, tries to lift them up and carry them at the mental game, as well,” said Sansone. “She’s a good person.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.