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Two Permian High School students are heading to renowned military academies to pursue world-class educations and serve their country. Gregory Nelson, 17, is going to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and Alexander Muy, 18, plans to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Both academies require a five-year commitment after they finish college. Nelson said it was an opportunity to get a world-class education and serve his country at the same time. Nelson’s first day will be June 29, and Muy’s, July 3. Muy said his uncle inspired him to pursue a military career. “I decided that West Point would be the perfect opportunity to give myself a world-famous education, as well as be able to actively serve,” he said. To earn a spot at the highly selective academies, Nelson and Muy had to submit several transcripts, letters of recommendation, write essays and obtain a congressional nomination, among several other things. U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Midland, provided Nelson and Muy with their nominations. Nelson took the SAT and Muy sat for the ACT and SAT college entrance exams. Muy also graduated from Odessa College with an associate degree in general studies. “I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try, and if I was to do a little bit better, it would have given me a little more of a competitive edge which is super important with the academies’ low acceptance rates,” Muy said. Nelson and Muy said the military appealed to them because it offered the structure they enjoy. Muy said service would strengthen his character and values, which would help him with decision making. “I never really wanted to do something where I wasn’t really committed to what I was doing. Like a desk job was never for me. … I decided that the military would be a great fit for me to do something exciting every day,” Muy said. Nelson said integrity was a big item for him. His father, Gregory, the principal at Odessa High School, served in the U.S. Army. “I feel like I have pretty good character already, but being in the military would amplify that and it would help me to help others with it,” Nelson said. Nelson and Muy said their parents are pleased with the prospect of a free education. “My mom’s stoked about the free college. My dad is proud,” Muy said. Nelson said he will serve for “as long as they need me.” “Hopefully, I can get a job that’s as rewarding and exciting,” Nelson said. Muy said he would like to make a career out of the military and take early retirement. “I think the most appealing part is being able to serve your country and defending the freedom that 99 percent of the people enjoy, but only 1 percent actually serve for,” Muy said. Nelson said he has visited the Naval Academy twice. Muy has not journeyed to West Point, but has taken virtual tours and viewed photos. “… And it looks beautiful,” Muy said. Nelson said the people he’s met at the Naval Academy are amazing and they’re all there for the same reason. “I feel the same. I’m sure there will be some people that I won’t necessarily agree with …, but we’re all there for the same reason — to serve our country and get a great education,” Muy said. Nelson and Muy have known each other since third grade. Both attended Reagan Magnet Elementary, Bonham Middle School and Permian. “They’re both extraordinary young men,” Permian College Counselor Jennifer Perkins said. “I think they’re going to do really, really well representing our country. … They’re phenomenal students. We’re very blessed to have such good students coming out of this class and going on into the future, so we’re extremely excited for both of them.” Asked if there was anything either of the young men wanted to add, Muy said, “God bless America.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Permian High School Athletics

PERMIAN STUDENTS OFF TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY

RUTH CAMPBELL

Odessa American | 5/25/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Sterkel