This summer, a few students who are a part of PMA’s Prepster Program will be visiting the Naval Academy for summer leadership and STEM seminars. These seminars will be held for one week where participants will be able to utilize their technical skills by engaging in science projects or working with Naval Academy students to sharpen their leadership skills.

Sophomores Destiny Ortega and Dajahnae Croft and juniors Christopher Fajardo and Martin Ocampo applied to the Summer STEM and Leadership Program at the Naval Academy and were recently admitted. Although they were recommended by PMA’s Commandant Major Stampley, they had their own personal motives for applying.

“Major Stampley saw the potential within me to be a part of the summer leadership program. However, I was driven to apply because I want to have a first hand experience of the Naval Academy. I’m interested in seeing how the academy operates as well as the daily lives of cadets,” said Ocampo.

Those who will be participating in the Summer STEM and Leadership Program at the Naval Academy are looking forward to getting a feel for the school, but they are very excited to explore other things while they are there.

“I’m looking forward to interacting with the international students who will be at the program. I think it’s great to share the similarities as individuals who aren’t the same as me. It will allow me the opportunity to create new relationships and establish a professional network if I decide to attend the Naval Academy,” said Ortega.

When asked about how this experience could shape their future aspirations, responses were positive as all of the Prepster students highly believed that visiting the academy could spark ideas in regards to what career paths they might pursue.

“When I’m older I desire to become a teacher. I don’t know specifically what I want to teach. However, since I have an innate interest in STEM as well as being involved in the STEM program at the Naval Academy, I see myself teaching math or science classes to other students when I progress in my academic career,” said Croft.