Juanita High Senior Bound for U.S. Naval Academy

Name, age: Kirk Mason, 18.

School and Neighborhood: A senior at , he lives in the Juanita neighborhood.

Accomplishments: Kirk has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. He will first attend the Academy’s prep school in Newport, Rhode Island for 10 months, then transfer into the Academy’s 2016 class. Once he earns his commission, Kirk will serve a minimum of five years as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

“I was ecstatic,” said Kirk about being accepted to the academy. 

Key to awesomeness: Kirk credits his optimistic personality and assertive attitude for his success.

“These two traits really fired me up,” said Kirk.

Kirk’s optimism and assertiveness saw him through the long application process. He asked several notable politicians for a nomination to the Naval Academy, including Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Vice President Joe Biden, and former president Jimmy Carter. In the end, Rep. Jay Inslee gave Kirk his nomination.

Kirk also credits his friends and family for an enormous amount of support.

“I didn’t really hear any of the ‘you can’t do it,’” said Kirk.

Kirk had long wanted to attend the Naval Academy and become an officer, and has even considered being a Navy Seal. He wanted to challenge himself and see just how far he could go.

“Something inside me told me I had to do it,” said Kirk.

He was so intent on getting into the academy that he didn’t even apply to any other schools. It was all or nothing for him, and when he was accepted it came as a great relief.

“It’s probably the greatest experience of my life.”

Kirk is no stranger to service and success. He’s an Eagle Scout, has worked as a lifeguard and given swimming lessons, and will soon take part in a leadership conference in China.

Kirk hopes to earn a degree in economics and has an interest in eventually owning his own business.