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Jose Castro accepted to Naval Academy Summer Seminar
Jose Castro
Mt. Carmel School junior Jose Castro gained admission to the summer U.S Naval Academy Seminar, an intense six-day experience for high school students to experience life as a midshipman. The 17-year-old will join over 2,000 other students in the program for group sessions in Annapolis, Maryland, which accepts 7 percent of applicants.
According to the program’s website, the summer seminar teaches high-achieving participants about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing the nation’s leaders.
Castro said he first learned about the academy from his cousin Johnathan Jake Castro Tenorio, a graduate of the Naval Academy. Castro’s parents are Rodrigo and Fang Pan Castro.
“He was my inspiration. I applied to the Summer Seminar because gaining knowledge at the program will help me prepare myself for what the Naval Academy has to offer,” he added. “I need all the experience I can get.” He attributed his success to his peers and mentors at MCS as well.
While he hopes to succeed in the program, Castro, a student athlete and member of the triumphant mock trial team, explained that he also wants to represent his family and share Saipan’s unique island culture.
He told Saipan Tribune that he intends to apply to the Naval Academy after high school, because it would “give me a head start [academically] and the opportunity to learn from those at the academy.”
Ultimately, Castro hopes to become a Naval Officer, serve his country, and return to the CNMI to help the community.
