This article originally appeared in the Allegan County News and has been republished with permission. If you are an Allegan Public Schools graduate and would like to be featured in an article, contact our Communications Director.
By GARI VOSS
Allegan County News
Chase Williams of Allegan is poised to attend Annapolis Naval Academy beginning September 2023. His journey has involved meeting requirements beyond a normal college application.
As a youth, Williams enjoyed playing baseball, soccer, and tennis, but his dream was to fly helicopters. But just as his love for baseball and taking the mound to pitch changed to tennis in junior high school, his dream of piloting helicopters expanded to being at the controls of a marine fighter jet.
The helicopter dream changed during Williams’ sophomore year at Allegan High School when he read No Easy Day: The Autobiography of a Navy Seal: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden authored by retired SEAL Mark Owen with Kevin Maurer. “The book detailed his life and how he went into the military. I then researched ways to get a college degree and be in the military. I learned about the academy.”
Williams began the first step toward reaching his dream when he completed a preliminary application to Annapolis in January of his junior year (2021).
“This preliminary application is reviewed and must be approved before you can apply to the academy. I was accepted to attend a summer camp during the summer of 2021. Camp is usually an opportunity for a prospective cadet to visit Annapolis for a couple weeks. But because of COVID restrictions, I did my 2021 summer camp virtually.”
The next step involved completing a formal application that is more like one to any other college or university. Simultaneously, Williams sent a request to the then Congressman Fred Upton because each cadet must receive a congregational nomination before being accepted to a military academy.
By December 2021, Williams had completed his formal application and received a nomination from Mr. Upton. The waiting game began.
“I was sitting in math class in early spring 2022 when I received an email that I had been accepted to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, Rhode Island,” shared Williams.
The classes at NAPS do not carry credit hours. Prospective cadets are assigned to foundation, intermediate or advanced classes. “Currently, I am taking two intermediate and one advanced classes,” explained Williams. “This is my final trimester.”
NAPS gives candidates the ability to experience and prepare for the high rigor expected at Annapolis. Thus far, Williams is thankful that he took so many Advanced Placement (AP) classes at Allegan High School.
“My first trimester reviewed some of the courses I had already taken. We have just started the 3rd trimester. My plan is to complete these classes with the best grades possible.”
In addition to academic courses, students have Wednesday afternoon speakers. These visitors come from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences from both the Navy and Marine Corp. “Wednesdays are half days when we hear from special forces, pilots and more who talk about their experiences.”
During this prep year, Williams had to reapply for Annapolis. This included seeking another congressional recommendation. Both Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Fred Upton sent letters of support. William decided to attach the one from Mr. Upton because of his support during the first phase.
After Williams graduates in early May 2023, he and his approximate 270 classmates will prepare for the fall. This includes attend 6-week basic training during Plebe Summer Camp. Williams believes that he is fortunate to have participated in the prep program because he will take a strong group of friends with him to Annapolis. Plus, Chase may be able to proficiency out of some of his basic classes.
Plebe Summer Camp’s goal is to lay a foundation for the Academy’s professional development curriculum. By the end of the six weeks, participants will understand the traditions of the Naval Service and the Academy. This includes understanding the basic military skills, and appreciate the high standards and obligations involved in being a Midshipman and Naval Officer. Plebes (or beginners) must be dedicated to seeking excellence in an extremely competitive environment that fosters leadership, teamwork, character and a desire to win. During each rigorous academic year, plebes, now midshipmen, will appreciate the importance of mental, moral, and physical toughness in all aspects of duty and service.
As a member of the class of 2027, Williams is not guaranteed that he will be accepted into the flight school in Pensacola, Florida. “I am determined to work hard and stay dedicated so I can train to be a Marine Corp pilot.”
As Williams’ prep school experience comes to a close, he looks forward to exploring the Atlantic coast and areas around Newport. Living on the coast is a different climate. “It is warmer than in Allegan, but the wind is always blowing. I hope to get in some more golf and investigate the inland areas when it gets warmer.”
