Sidney student nominated for post at U.S. Naval Academy

First, Gunner Coffey received a letter informing him that he might-just might-earn a nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy. A few weeks later, a second letter arrived.

"It was nerve wracking," the Sidney High School senior said of that moment wondering what the note said.

Once he opened the envelope, Coffey learned that Congressman Adrian Smith had indeed nominated him for a place at the famed school in Annapolis, Maryland. He is one of 14 Nebraska students forwarded for consideration by the nation's military academies by the Third District representative.

For Coffey, it was the end-almost-of a grueling process. Just to achieve a nomination, he had to maintain stellar grades, participate in activities outside of school and submit a slew of paperwork, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays and more.

"They want to know who you are before they talk to you," he explained. "They focus on leadership-they want you to take a role in the community."

Before he knows if the Naval Academy will accept him into their program, he still has to face an interview with representatives from the school.

"I'm hoping I get in," Coffey said.

The senior has put in a solid effort. Not only has he met Annapolis' stringent academic standards, he also stays fit through Sidney's weights program, took part in the scholastic competition in Chadron-he even gives blood on a regular basis and provides others with classroom guidance. Coffey also enlisted in the Navy through the service's Delayed Entry Program.

"I've always wanted to be in the military in order to be on a sound footing," he noted.

Coffey picked up his interest in the navy from his brother, who enlisted four years ago and now serves on the fire control team onboard the USS Bunker Hill. After a few conversations, Coffey was convinced.

The Sidney senior is the son of Brendan and Stef Coffey. When he informed his parents of the nomination, they tried hard to keep their excitement under control.

"They said 'we're happy for you,'" Gunner Coffey recalled.

Congressman Smith made his decision after hearing from his academy advisory committee. The board evaluated each student based upon achievements in and outside of school, personal interviews and supporting materials. He nominated students to Annapolis, West Point and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Nominees come from Chadron, O'Neill, Kearney, Wausa, Hastings, Curtis, Gering, Scottsbluff and North Platte.

"It is an honor to nominate these exceptional young Nebraskans," Smith said. "Each of these young men and women has excelled in the classroom and demonstrated a strong commitment to their communities. I am confident they will continue to make us proud as they complete their education, and as future leaders in the U.S. military."

Graduates of the service academies enter the military as officers, with a strong educational background.

Whether or not he is finally accepted, Coffey will be one of America's future military leaders. Still, he looks forward to four years of education and training at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Every time I bring it up people say 'you're gonna have fun,'" Coffey said. "It's a really good opportunity."