We Salute You
by Laura Breen Galante
Getting into college is no easy task, and admission into a United States Armed Forces educational institution is even more difficult. Acceptance rates at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, and the U.S. Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs, Colorado, hover at a mere seven to 14 percent.
In addition to having a near-perfect grade point average and stellar resume, students must obtain a congressional nomination. And even after securing a nomination, only about one in five is offered an appointment. Physical fitness is also key – students must pass a test called the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) to be considered for admission.
This year, several Class of 2026 seniors from Seminole County Public Schools have committed to attending a U.S. Armed Forces service academy. These highly accomplished students will dedicate their studies and career to serving their country.
Connor McCarthy- Lake Brantley High School
United States Military Academy at West Point
Connor McCarthy, an 18-year-old from Longwood, is a Renaissance man. He graduated summa cum laude; he can solve a Rubik’s cube in 15 seconds; he plays piano; and his highest bowling score is 269. Connor also excels at running.
He is a two-time Seminole County Track and Field Athlete of the Year and multiple-time Seminole Athletic Conference and district champion in the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, pole vault, and 4 x 400-meter relay. Connor set and then broke Lake Brantley High School’s record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 54.57 seconds. He is a two-time All-American and won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 2025 Junior Olympics. At West Point, he will continue pursuing his passion for running.
“I chose West Point because it gives me the opportunity to challenge myself academically, physically, and as a leader while serving my country,” says Connor. “The Academy’s tradition of excellence, leadership development, and strong sense of purpose made it the perfect fit for me. I’m also excited to continue competing in track and field while preparing for a future career in the Army.”
Connor plans to major in systems engineering and branch aviation, with the goal of becoming a pilot.
Will Watts- Lake Brantley High School
United States Military Academy at West Point
Will Watts has been interested in leadership and the military since he was in elementary school. An 18-year-old from Longwood, he has been a Scout since first grade and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2025. His project, which involved installing two bronze plaques at the Seminole County Heroes Memorial, was recognized as the 2025 Central Florida Council Project of the Year.
At Lake Brantley High School, Will participated in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) and earned the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated Award, and Daughters of the American Revolution Award. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the golf team, and the lacrosse team and graduated with honors.
“Since the fourth grade, I have wanted to join the U.S. Army and have aspired to be a leader,” says Will. “West Point has a long history of developing incredible leaders, and I know this experience will provide the foundation I need to be successful as I serve our country. My call for joining the Army came from learning about our country’s history and the sacrifices made to win the freedom we have today. I knew that it was God’s plan for me to continue that never-ending fight for our freedom and serve our great nation.”
Will plans to major in war studies and commission as an infantry officer.
Ryan Bauer- Seminole High School
United States Air Force Academy
Ryan Bauer was a member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) at Seminole High School, earning the Daedalian Award, the American Legion General Military Excellence Award, the Military Order of the World Wars Award, and the Top Performer Award. He also was a member of the AFJROTC Raider Team.
An 18-year-old from Sanford, Ryan earned the Flight Academy Scholarship, which allowed him to secure his private pilot’s license last summer.
While at Seminole, he was a member of Bokey Student Ambassadors and played junior varsity and varsity volleyball for three years. He graduated summa cum laude and took dual enrollment classes at Seminole State College. He also received the Military Officers Association of America Scholarship (MOAA).
“I chose to attend the Air Force Academy because of the opportunities offered, the experiences I will gain, and the doors that will be opened as a result,” says Ryan, who plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Adds Ryan, “I can earn a highly rated education while also gaining leadership skills and exposure to military lifestyle. I will also be on track to achieve my future goals for my career. I hope to be a fighter pilot for the Air Force like my grandfather, so the Air Force Academy was the easy choice for me in getting there.”
Briana Hall - Lake Mary High School
United States Naval Academy
Briana Hall knew she wanted to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after she attended its Summer Seminar program.
“This was an event where incoming high-school seniors could spend a week at the Academy to see what life is like,” says Briana, an 18-year-old from Longwood. “From the first day, I fell in love with USNA and knew that was where I belonged.”
Briana enjoys a challenge, and she certainly challenged herself at Lake Mary High School, graduating summa cum laude, working, and playing four years of varsity basketball – serving as captain for three. She also played two years of varsity lacrosse. Briana was voted by her teachers to be in the Math Hall of Fame and held officer positions in National English Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She was also a member of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and National Honor Society and had the highest grade point average of all senior female athletes.
She plans to pursue a degree in nuclear engineering and commission as part of the Navy’s Civil Engineering Corps.
Matt McDonald - Oviedo High School
United States Military Academy at West Point
Matt McDonald has been boxing for 10 years and will continue pursuing that passion as a boxer at West Point. His list of boxing achievements is a knockout and includes top 10 placements in regional, national, and global championship matches. He placed first or runner-up in the Florida State Boxing Championships from 2019 to 2023. Matt also won a World Boxing Council Youth World Championship in 2022.
The 18-year-old was on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years at Oviedo High School, was on the Seminole State College Dean’s List for dual enrollment classes, and graduated in the top five percent of his class. He also served as vice president of Oviedo’s Quill and Scroll International Honor Society from 2024 to 2026.
“Duty, Honor, Country: These are the core values of the United States Military Academy at West Point,” says Matt, who is from Casselberry. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a desire to serve my country. It is a deep-rooted duty I feel within me to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and the freedoms it guarantees. Attending West Point will allow me to prepare to serve as an officer in the Army, leading others and upholding the Army’s core values.”
He plans to major in economics and finance and will commission as part of West Point’s Finance Corps branch.
Jenness Orcutt - Hagerty High School
United States Air Force Academy
Jenness Orcutt, 18, has been playing club and school volleyball since she was 11. Now, she will continue her love for the game in the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she has been recruited to play volleyball.
At Hagerty High School, the Chuluota resident earned a spot on the varsity volleyball team as a freshman, later serving as team captain and setting a school record for most career kills. She was a four-year Seminole Athletic Conference Academic All-American, a two-year SAC 1st Team All-Conference, and a Beach 1st Team All-Conference player. She earned Offensive Most Valuable Player and Varsity Team MVP as well as Female Athlete of the Year awards.
“My strong desire to attend the Academy is rooted in my commitment to lead a life defined by discipline and integrity, while continuously challenging myself to grow both as a cadet and as an individual,” says Jenness, who plans to major in aeronautical engineering or business. “Through competitive volleyball, I have developed a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and physical excellence. I believe the Academy is the ideal next step in my journey, offering a unique opportunity to receive a comprehensive education that will prepare me to become a well-rounded leader.”
Adds Jenness, “I would not be where I am today without the support of my family and teachers. I will carry all your lessons with me as I take this next step. I’m excited for what lies ahead and proud to begin this journey of service.”