“It is truly an honor for me to congratulate Jason on this monumental achievement,” Franks said.  “He is an outstanding young man who exemplifies outstanding leadership, academic excellence and strength in character in all that he does.  Our country will greatly benefit from his participation and service in the United States Navy.”

At Cactus High School, Jason is captain of the Cross Country Team, plays Varsity Soccer, and is ranked fourth in his class.  He also volunteers as a referee for the Special Olympics, as a little league scorekeeper, and has participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

At Annapolis, midshipmen graduate from the four-year program after completing rigorous requirements in the classroom, in their dormitory, aboard sailboats and yard patrol craft, on the athletic fields and during their summers in the fleet.

The United States Naval Academy ranks in the top ten most competitive institutions in the nation, with an acceptance rate of 12% (more competitive than both Stanford and Yale Universities).