BY DESIREE PICAZO / PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Alumnus Kenny Ho has completed military training from the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy and will graduate May 22 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Straight out of high school, Ho shocked his teachers when he told them he was not going to college like the rest of his peers, but a nuclear service program for a year.

“You’re not going to college? But You’re such a good student,” said his AP Chemistry Teacher Jin Zhou.

However, Ho pursued his decision and was then chosen from the top 10% to move on to the U.S. Naval Academy.

The USNA is in the top five schools for undergraduate engineering and top 20 for liberal arts, preparing midshipmen honorably, intellectually, and physically to serve in the Navy.

Every year, the academy admits around 1,200 young adults from around the nation to join the elite Brigade of Midshipmen. On top of an application and letters of recommendation, applicants must also be interviewed by a naval academy official, take a medical exam, a physical fitness exam, and receive a nomination by a congressman or senator.

An experience at the U.S. Naval Academy is a demanding one. Not only do they have to be a student in rigorous courses, but also fulfill different tasks and become accustomed to the military lifestyle. After completion of training, graduates are expected to serve a five year commission in the Navy or Marine Corps in turn for their education.

After graduating from the USNA, Ho will spend two months training in Miami, Florida gaining experience in his field. He will then go to a naval base in Oxnard, California for 2 years.

“I am very proud for him. He comes from good teachers, school, and friends,” said mother Ellen Ho.

In high school, Ho was a well rounded student. He excelled in academics, and spent time in the Edgewood pool as water polo and swim captain, as well as president of the Aquatics Club. He won a Hacienda League MVP award for his 2011 class.

In the classroom, Ho did very well and was a humble, honored AP student.

“When I had him in AP Chem for junior year, he was determined and hard-working,” said Zhou,

If his classmates needed help, Ho would never hesitate to assist his peers.

“He was a role model. He was very popular, so while he was working hard, it made all his friends work harder. Clearly a leader,” Zhou added.