C.B. Aycock senior gets academy appointment
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 15, 2014 1:46 PM
Cady Jane Sheeks
Charles B. Aycock High School senior Cady Jane Sheeks has received an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy in the fall.
She said she became interested in the military option because of her own family, which includes an older sister preparing to graduate from the Air Force Academy, and her father, who attended West Point and served 11 years active duty and nine years in the Army reserve.
But it was when she went to an Army/Navy game with her dad that she gave further thought to applying. The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., was among her choices.
"I also applied to the Air Force Academy and Merchant Marines Academy and was accepted at all three," she said. "I also got into UNC and N.C. State and was trying to weigh my options."
She quickly narrowed it down to the opportunities presented at the Naval Academy.
"I actually did a camp there (in the summer). It gives you a taste of what it's like going there," she said, adding, "The class size, it was the best fit for me. It's also an honor to serve my country."
At the outset, she might not fit the typical profile of someone going to a military school. She hasn't been part of ROTC, the high school military training program, and is a self-described "girlie girl who likes shopping."
But, she is quick to explain, the draw of attending a military college is about more than discipline and lots of push-ups.
"They have a good variety of majors to choose from," she said. "Mostly I want to go there because I want to be a leader and that's probably the best place for me to go. They train people to be leaders.
"My dad, he's gotten very good jobs and a great career, not necessarily because of his major but because of his leadership skills."
Her parents are Gerald and Jean Marie Sheeks.
At CBA, she has played varsity soccer all four years, participated in cross country, been a class officer for AYC, Aycock Youth Council, a member of National Honor Society and is active in her church, St. Mary's.
Ms. Sheeks said about 20,000-21,000 applicants are received by the Naval Academy each year and it only accepts 1,200. The four-year award is valued at between $300,000 and $400,000 and includes training and travel opportunities during the summer.
At the end of four years, students graduate with a bachelor of science degree and are commissioned as ensigns in the navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. There is a five-year minimum commitment for graduates to serve in the military.