AVONDALE - Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy students Dylan Betancur, Tristan Tuell, and Samuel Calton have earned the incredible honor of being accepted into the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Summer Seminar. This prestigious program is highly competitive, with over 7,500 applicants and only 2,200 selected. The selection process evaluates candidates based on academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential, and athletic achievements.
The six-day seminar offers students a firsthand experience of life at the Academy, immersing them in rigorous academic, athletic, and professional training. This opportunity serves as a significant stepping stone for students interested in one of the U.S. military academies after high school graduation.
Dylan Betancur’s Perspective
Dylan Betancur has long aspired to attend the USNA Summer Seminar.
“I’ve wanted to attend the Summer Seminar since I found out about Service Academies and what they could offer me after high school. I was counting down the days until my junior year so I could apply. I knew this was the first step in getting my foot in the door,” Dylan shared.
Upon receiving his acceptance, Dylan felt a mix of excitement and honor.
“When I found out that I got accepted to the Summer Seminar, I was really excited and honored. It made me realize that this is getting real. I am really looking forward to getting yelled at, going through the whole boot camp experience, and just immersing myself in everything the Academy has to offer.”
Dylan hopes to develop strong leadership skills and gain insight into life at the Naval Academy through this experience.
“I still haven't decided which military branch I want to go into, and I feel like this will help me make that decision.”
Dylan has been preparing for this moment since his freshman year. As an Airman First Class in the Civil Air Patrol, a dual-sport athlete every season, and an active participant in extracurricular activities such as Club Soccer, swing dancing, and various volunteer service projects, he has balanced his commitments while maintaining his academic responsibilities. Additionally, he works a part-time job at Jammin’ J’s Pizza Factory, further demonstrating his dedication and work ethic.
Tristan Tuell’s Perspective
Tristan Tuell was overjoyed when he received his acceptance email.
“When I was accepted into the program, I was thrilled. I told my dad immediately,” he said.
Tristan applied to the Summer Seminar because he is strongly interested in pursuing higher education at a military academy.
“I hope to learn about what the Naval Academy has to offer and determine if it would be a good fit for me if I were accepted. I also hope to develop my leadership skills.”
Tristan has been preparing diligently for this experience, focusing on both his physical and academic fitness.
“To prepare for this experience, I go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before school to train. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, I run between 2-4 miles before school starts. I am also ensuring I maintain high academic standards.”
Samuel Calton’s Perspective
Samuel Calton was filled with excitement when he learned of his acceptance.
“I felt very excited to get a chance to experience aspects of a school that I would love to attend in the future. I know that I will learn a lot about midshipmen life, so I have been looking forward to it since I got accepted,” he shared.
Samuel hopes the experience will help solidify his decision to pursue the Naval Academy and allow him to build lasting relationships.
“I hope to learn what life will look like if I were to attend USNA. Also, I know many people who met peers in summer seminars who were their friends throughout their time at the school. So, I would love to meet people who might be my friends if I were to go.”
A Cadet Technical Sergeant with the Shelby Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Samuel is well-prepared for the physical and academic challenges of the seminar.
“In preparation for the Summer Seminar, I have been training running and calisthenics for the physical events and the mock CFA that will occur during the seminar. Mentally, I choose class topics that I am interested in for the lessons I will participate in during the seminar.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Acceptance into the USNA Summer Seminar is a remarkable achievement that showcases Dylan, Tristan, and Samuel's dedication and leadership potential. Their hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence have earned them this incredible opportunity, bringing them one step closer to a future in military service. Congratulations to these outstanding students on this prodigious honor!