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HHS Senior Bridget Brennan is renowned for her work ethic and ambition. Brennan has not shied away from academic challenges as a high school student, taking a total of eleven Advanced Placement classes and eight College in the High School courses through Central Washington University. When asked what motivated her to sign up for 19 accelerated classes, Brennan pointed to “the classroom climate in which the content as well as the teacher and students push you to do your best.” She also enjoys “the compelling class discussions that really promote analysis and different perspectives.”
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Until two days ago, Brennan was one of tens of thousands of applicants who applied to one of our country’s five military service academies. Her dream of getting appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland became a reality on Monday, January 12. Her reaction? “I was overjoyed,” said Brennan. “Until that moment, I had been stressed. I had turned in my application in June and hadn’t heard anything until [January 12],” she added.
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With her appointment, Brennan becomes the 8th HHS (soon-to-be) graduate to earn acceptance to a military service academy since 2015.
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Brennan’s acceptance to the naval academy was particularly meaningful because it continues her family’s tradition of attending Annapolis. All three Brennan siblings have now been appointed to the naval academy. Her older brothers Joe (Class of 2019) and Tommy (Class of 2016) have graduated and are now serving as pilots in the U.S. Navy.
Brennan is looking forward to getting on campus and beginning her journey as a Midshipman. “I am excited to form lifelong bonds with fellow plebes and pursue my interests in either Economics or Aerospace Engineering,” said Brennan.
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Not only is it remarkable that all three Brennans have been appointed to the same military academy, it’s exceptional that they earned appointments in the first place. Fewer than 10% of applicants are appointed to academies.
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Brennan is active in Hockinson High School sports and activities. Besides being a key player on the HHS Girls Soccer Team that finished 4th in State this past fall, she plans on running Track in the spring. She’s also been active in community service through HHS clubs and Scouting America, through which she completed her Eagle Scout project with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division.
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Induction Day, also known as I-Day, usually falls in late June or early July. Brennan will be heading to Maryland within a few months when her parents, Thomas and Leilani, who will be relocating to the southwest.
7
Speaking of seven, Brennan’s high school experience has prepared her for the rigors of the US Naval Academy. While most HHS students begin their day at 9 am, Brennan’s schedule begins at 7 am because she is involved in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Prairie High School. Once done, she takes a full schedule of high-level classes, attends practice or exercises in the afternoon, and completes her homework in the evening. According to Brennan, her typical day at Annapolis “will begin at 5 am and consist of a full day of academics and physical training.”
21412
Brennan’s new zip code will be 21412, but she says she will never forget her formative years in Brush Prairie, 98606! Best of luck, Bridget.