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  • Keton Lockhart, a Naval Academy student, has been telling about his experience during his holiday break. Salesha Wilken

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November 30, 2011

Naval Academy student encouraging enrollment

Salesha Wilken Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Keton Lockhart, who calls Chelsea home, is giving other students the chance to learn about the opportunity he has received as a U.S. Naval Academy student.

Lockhart has been spending time during his holiday break encouraging area students to look at the Naval Academy as an option for college.

Lockhart spoke to students at Chelsea, Grove and Pryor Public Schools.

In his second year at school at the academy, Lockhart explains the scholarship he received is valued at approximately $300,000. Additionally, students receive a monthly salary and free room and board.

“Only eight percent of applicants get accepted,” he said, “I was never really interested in joining the military until I was a senior in high school, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Lockhart explained that every student that attends the academy for four years would graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Each student is then required to give five years of regular service, but many options are available to students.

After leaving the Navy many students may pursue a future in engineering among other fields. The academy is one of the top engineering schools in the country and the education is comparable to that of an Ivy League University, according to Lockhart.

Lockhart explained the benefits of attending the academy goes beyond the education.

“Everyone holds themselves to a higher standard, it is great,” Lockhart said, “It is a big honor and very humbling to attend the academy.”

The bond formed between Lockhart and his classmate otherwise known as Midshipmen is also extremely strong.

Lockhart graduated from Chelsea High School and making the adjustment to the academy is “ a whole new world”.

“I have friends from Chicago and New York and when I tell them I am from Chelsea, Oklahoma with one stop light, they can’t believe it.”

The Naval Academy is one of the premier schools for science and math in the U.S. Beyond giving students a chance to serve their country they are building a career and future, according to Lockhart.

More information about the U.S. Naval Academy and admissions or the application process is available at www.usna.edu/admissions.

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