Eagle Scout about to become a Naval Academy midshipman
Determined, passionate and fearless, he鈥檚 Martin High School graduate and soon-to-be midshipman Owen Hulme. 听
Hulme听is ready to听embrace the challenges of the four-year academy.听
鈥淚t鈥檚 been lots of running and lots of working out,鈥 Hulme said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also been lots of studying on naval history.鈥听
For Hulme, his journey into the military is about more than just serving his country. It鈥檚 also about learning to lead those around him. 听
鈥淚 want to serve as an officer,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 want to lead my brothers and sisters in arms. I鈥檝e always liked standing up and leading the people around me. I want to learn from the best.鈥听
In fact, Hulme鈥檚 leadership has always been evident through his involvement at Martin as a swim team captain, roboboat member and active participant in his STEM courses. 听
Inspired by book 鈥,鈥 Hulme felt destined to enter the Naval Academy after graduation. 听
鈥淩eading about his story and what he had to overcome, it really pushed me,鈥 Hulme said. 鈥淭he caliber of people I wanted to work with was exactly who was represented in the book.鈥 听
That鈥檚 also why听 leader and former Army Ranger John Burdick has helped mentor Hulme along the way. 听
鈥淗e helped me a lot in figuring out what I wanted to do and what the best way to do that was,鈥 Hulme said. 听
As a thirty-year veteran, Burdick knows Hulme will make an outstanding officer one day.听
鈥淗e鈥檚 a great scout and a great young man,鈥 Burdick said. 鈥淲hen you think of an Eagle Scout and what comes to mind 鈥 a person always willing to take charge, be a leader, jump in to help wherever it鈥檚 needed, carries a great personality, upbeat and helpful 鈥 that’s Owen.鈥听
After submitting over 15 essays and earning a congressional听nomination, Hulme was accepted into the academy with a full scholarship. 听
For students interested in following the same path, Hulme鈥檚 advice is simple.听
鈥淕et started on the application process as early as you can and believe in yourself,鈥 he said. 听
Later this month, Hulme will make his way to the academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he plans to major in ocean engineering. After he graduates, he鈥檒l embark on an eight-year commitment in the Navy, five of which will be served on active duty.听
鈥淚 am so incredibly proud of him, and I am overjoyed that he made it in,鈥 Burdick said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 worked so hard to achieve this goal. Anybody who sees his success can take that from it. If you have a goal, it is absolutely possible to achieve it.鈥 听
His story inspires his peers听to have the strength never to give up on their dreams.听听
鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of hard work, you鈥檝e got to want it,鈥 he听said. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 so worth it.鈥听
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