Willowbrook senior accepted into United States Naval Academy

Willowbrook senior Andrew Rugg holds up his acceptance letter into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Rugg plans to study aerospace engineering and pursue a career as a naval flight officer (NFO) or a naval aviator (NA).

Willowbrook senior Andrew Rugg (right) visits Willowbrook alumnus Jackson Hathaway (class of 2019) at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Rugg will join Hathaway as a student at the academy in June. Rugg plans to study aerospace engineering and pursue a career as a naval flight officer (NFO) or a naval aviator (NA).

When Willowbrook senior Andrew Rugg was given an assignment his sophomore year to write a paper about his family’s history (in social studies teacher Brian Eslick's U.S. History class), he never could have imagined that assignment would change the course of his future.

When researching his family, Rugg discovered his great grandfather served in the military and was one of the few paratroopers who survived D-Day (June 6, 1944, the day the Allies invaded Western Europe in World War II). He was inspired by his relative’s selflessness and bravery and began looking into enrolling at the United States Naval Academy.

After a yearlong, rigorous application process that involved interviews; physical and medical assessments; and securing six recommendations from teachers, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and others, Rugg recently received word that he has been accepted into the academy. According to www.usnews.com, the academy has an acceptance rate of 8 percent.

“I look forward to serving my country and taking the lessons I learn at the academy to heart to become a strong, effective leader,” Rugg said.

Rugg will attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., for four years and will then serve in the military for five years. He plans to study aerospace engineering and pursue a career as a naval flight officer (NFO) or a naval aviator (NA).

Rugg said he has always been fascinated by the concept of flight and the various aspects of science involved in that field. During his years at Willowbrook, Rugg has taken several engineering courses to prepare for his journey at the academy. He also has participated in the school’s Student Council and New Beginnings and has been a member of the boys golf, baseball and track teams.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities Willowbrook has provided, as well as the connections I’ve made with teachers and staff,” Rugg said. “The experiences I’ve enjoyed at Willowbrook have helped me develop leadership skills that will allow me to be successful in the next steps of my life.”

And Rugg will be in good company when he heads to the United States Naval Academy in June. He will join Willowbrook alumnus Jackson Hathaway (class of 2019), who is pursuing a degree in political science at the academy.

“To really understand the value of the United States Naval Academy and all it has to offer, you need to take time and dig into the admission process,” Rugg said. “It truly is a great way to serve your country and community and to invest in yourself.”

Rugg thanks his family, friends, teachers, classmates and faith for always pushing him to put his best foot forward.

"The community around me has shaped me into the person I am today," Rugg said. "Without them, this opportunity would not be possible!"