Lajes senior selected for Naval Academy by Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 6/4/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- A Lajes High School student was accepted to attend the Naval Academy this year. Toderick Stevens, 17, son of Tech. Sgt. John Stevens, 65th Medical Group, will graduate Lajes High School June 8 and begin his new journey at the Naval Academy in the fall of 2012. Here, this young, dynamic student responds to several questions which gives you insight into his life, goals, character and excitement upon receiving acceptance to this top choice, prestigious school. How did you feel after learning of your acceptance into the Naval Academy? I'll never forget that moment. I came home from school and went straight for the phone to call the Naval Academy Admissions office to find out about my application status. When I got in contact with a receptionist, she transferred my call to an admissions officer, and he told me I had received an Offer of Appointment to the Naval Academy. While I was on the phone, I signaled to my mother that I got in and she began to scream with joy; all I could do at the moment was laugh with pure delight. When I hung up the phone I gave my mom a tight hug while she continued to scream and dance. It was a surreal feeling; one I will never forget. When and why did you select the Naval Academy? I feel that it will give me a perfect opportunity to use my talents in serving my country and I also love the sense of tradition that the Naval Academy has. The Naval Academy is a challenging school. How prepared do you feel? I feel confident in the job that my amazing teachers have done throughout high school equipping me with a strong academic background to prepare me for the academy. What kind of student would you say you are? I am very disciplined in doing my schoolwork and budgeting my study time. I also understand the importance of education and I go into each day knowing what my goals are and how I am going to use my education to achieve them. What is your favorite subject? Math and science, because they are both practical and analytical. They are both very defined studies in such a way that, if you understand the processes of the formulas and functions then the problems will always work out. What kind of activities were you involved in during school? I was involved in many activities such as the National Honor Society, Future Educators Association, Future Business Leaders of America, Class Council, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Soccer, Junior Varsity football quarterback, International Student Leadership Institute conference and Academic Bowl. What are some leadership roles you had while in school? I have been team captain of my high school's varsity basketball and soccer teams, class vice president during both junior and senior year, vice president of my high school's FEA chapter, vice president of the NHS chapter, parliamentarian of my high school's FBLA chapter, and captain of my school's academic bowl team. I've also attended the International Student Leadership Institute. In addition, I was privileged with the opportunity to experience what it was like to be a wing commander during a mock deployment on my school's job shadow day. What are some significant awards you've won? Some significant awards I have won include the DoDDS Europe European Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team Selection 2012, Chemistry Student of the Year 2011, The Principal's Award 2012, Perfect Attendance 2012, Academic All-Conference Team Selection 2011, and Lajes High School Offensive Player of the Year for Basketball 2011. How do you feel about graduating on June 8? I'm torn between excitement and sadness. I'm excited because I know that I will be able to pursue my goals and dreams and make a positive change in this world. However, it is a bittersweet moment because I'm going to really miss all the friends I made in high school and all of my teachers. I'm also going to miss the friendly and comfortable environment that Lajes High School provides. What are your future goals? I hope to be graduating from the Naval Academy, serving my country, and I want to become a doctor. How have your parents played a role in your decision? My parents have given me a solid foundation. They've instilled in me to always have integrity, excellence in what I do, being punctual and the importance of family. I'm just grateful to have such loving and supportive parents. Is there anything else you'd like to share? I would like to thank everyone from family to school members to community members who have supported me and helped me to achieve this great accomplishment and I really appreciate all the support. Also for all freshmen who are looking to attend the Naval Academy, I encourage SAT practice and participation in a lot of extracurricular activities such as sports and school clubs. The academy looks for well-rounded students with a high GPA and who display exemplary leadership skills, so it is very important to challenge yourself with honors and advanced placement courses along with extracurricular activities.