Here We Go Again . . .

Each year nearly 17,000 young adults apply to attend the United States Naval Academy; yet only 1,200 ultimately are accepted, making the academy, in Annapolis, Md., one of the toughest schools for admission. Over the years, several southern Indiana residents have accepted the challenge, and some local families have multiple children currently attending.

This story focuses on Evansville’s Hurley Family.  In the fall, John and Darby Hurley’s oldest son Dane will begin his third year at Navy; and daughter Drayton, a 2015 Reitz Memorial High School graduate, will begin her studies at the academy. Hurley’s youngest son Dawson, an eighth grader at St. Benedict Cathedral School, has aspirations to attend Navy and realize his dream of being a pilot.

Where did the siblings’ inspiration come from? John Hurley had relatives in the armed forces; however teachers at Memorial, especially teacher and coach Larry Mattingly, encouraged students with the motto, “Be a part of something bigger than you.” Memorial instills “service to others and the community.”

Dane and Drayton believe that a military career is one way to continue doing that beyond high school.

The application process began in Dane’s and Drayton’s junior years at Memorial and involved extensive paperwork, interviews with U.S. Senators, and numerous physical and intellectual tests – all accomplished on their own. “We did not push them into their choice, but we did not discourage them either,” said John Hurley. “They were aware that this commitment would dictate the next 10 years of their lives.”

Dane, now a Second Class Midshipman at Navy, fostered a fascination for history and war facts as early as the sixth grade.  Memorial graduates and brothers Mike and Andy Theising attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., which encouraged Dane to consider a military career. Dane is majoring in history at Annapolis, with a minor in German.

This summer, Dane will participate in the Protramid, where he will spend a week each on a ship, in a submarine, with an aviation crew, and with the Marines. In the fall, Dane will study in Germany, which will satisfy his German minor. During his senior year at the academy, Dane can request assignment for his five years of required service. He said he has not decided whether he will request the Navy or Marines, or to be a pilot or stationed on a submarine. Placement will be determined by his rank and class, his requests and the Navy’s and Marine’s needs at the time.

Drayton researched and applied to several colleges; but after several visits to the Annapolis, she decided that Navy would be her best choice.  She will report in July for her “Plebe Summer,” a rigorous six-week training session that will prepare her for the academy. She will wear government-issued clothing, and must turn over her phone and personal items. Although Internet use, email and phone calls are prohibited, Drayton will be able to write letters. Her goal is to be stationed on a destroyer, aircraft carrier or submarine.

“The academy is a beautiful, huge campus in a gorgeous area,” said Darby, “and we stay connected by letters, photos posted on the website, and the Mothers’ Group.” John and Darby said they are grateful for the sponsor families in Annapolis who provide space in their homes for rest, meals, and transportation during midshipmen liberty time.

“Memorial High School must be doing something right to have several graduates attending the academy at one time,” said John Hurley. “Memorial does a lot to prepare kids for their future – especially the teachers who encourage them in their studies, who emphasize discipline, who instill community and service to others, and urge them to stay on track.”