Mt. Carmel grad accepts naval school appointment

Mount Carmel School alumnus Jun Vicente Mihara Chong has been offered an appointment to attend the U.S. Naval Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island—an offer that he has accepted.

Chong is the son of Vicente Tenorio Chong and Mikie Mihara Chong of Saipan. He is a graduate of MCS Class of 2004. During his high school years at Mt. Carmel, Chong held memberships in the Student Body/Government, National Honor Society and the Varsity Basketball Team. He has also taken an active role in the community, such as assistant Taekwondo instructor and he has worked with the American Red Cross. Chong’s career goals are to become a physician and an officer, thus inspiring him to enter the U.S. Service Academy.

NAPS students, much like Naval Academy midshipmen, become part of the U.S. Navy while enrolled. All prospective NAPS students must enlist in the Naval Reserve in order to receive pay and benefits. Upon enlistment, Chong will remain on inactive duty until he arrives at NAPS on July 15, 2004.

Chong joined other members of the academy’s class of 2009 for Induction Day in Newport, Rhode Island on July 15, 2004.

After successful completion of the NAPS program, along with the recommendation of the Commanding Officer of NAPS, Chong is assured of his selection to the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2009.

“Your acceptance to NAPS, is precedence for all NMI students. I congratulate you on your fine record of achievement and best of luck during your ten-month program at NAPS, said CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio.

Tenorio said that Chong’s combination of his excellent academic record, competitive SAT scores, excellent physical condition, outstanding participation in sports, community services and student leadership activities all helped in his selection to attend NAPS.

On May 28 this year, Tenorio attended Ensign Mathew John Kirschenheiter’s graduation at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Kirschenheiter received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of long-time Saipan resident Ronald and Gayle Ann Kirschenheiter.

Midshipman Adrian A. Rempillo Evangelista, son of Antonio B. and Evelyn Rempillo Evangelista of Tinian, has also just completed his junior year at the Naval Academy. Plebe Caroline Lynch, nominated by Tenorio this year, became the NMI student to gain direct acceptance into the Naval Academy, class of 2008. Lynch is the daughter of Kevin A. Lynch of Saipan and Margaret T. Lynch of Minnesota. She was sworn in on June 30, 2004.

The CNMI has slots open for nomination at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information, contact Ana S. Teregeyo at the Saipan District Office at (670) 664-5651/2, fax (670) 664-5654 or Pete Torres in Washington, D.C. at (202) 673-5869, fax (202) 673-5873.