We Salute You
Please join us in congratulating these exemplary students from Seminole County Public Schools who have recently been accepted into military academies
Getting into college is no easy task, and admission into a United States Armed Forces educational institution is even more difficult. Acceptance rates at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, and the U.S. Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs, Colorado, hover at a mere seven to 14 percent.
In addition to having a near-perfect grade point average and stellar resume, students must obtain a congressional nomination. And even after securing a nomination, only about one in five is offered an appointment. Physical fitness is also key – students must pass a test called the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) to be considered for admission.
This year, several Class of 2026 seniors from Seminole County Public Schools have committed to attending a U.S. Armed Forces service academy. These highly accomplished students will dedicate their studies and career to serving their country.
Connor McCarthy
Connor McCarthy, an 18-year-old from Longwood, is a Renaissance man. He graduated summa cum laude; he can solve a Rubik’s cube in 15 seconds; he plays piano; and his highest bowling score is 269. Connor also excels at running.
He is a two-time Seminole County Track and Field Athlete of the Year and multiple-time Seminole Athletic Conference and district champion in the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, pole vault, and 4 x 400-meter relay. Connor set and then broke Lake Brantley High School’s record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 54.57 seconds. He is a two-time All-American and won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 2025 Junior Olympics. At West Point, he will continue pursuing his passion for running.
“I chose West Point because it gives me the opportunity to challenge myself academically, physically, and as a leader while serving my country,” says Connor. “The Academy’s tradition of excellence, leadership development, and strong sense of purpose made it the perfect fit for me. I’m also excited to continue competing in track and field while preparing for a future career in the Army.”
Connor plans to major in systems engineering and branch aviation, with the goal of becoming a pilot.
Ryan Bauer
Ryan Bauer was a member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) at Seminole High School, earning the Daedalian Award, the American Legion General Military Excellence Award, the Military Order of the World Wars Award, and the Top Performer Award. He also was a member of the AFJROTC Raider Team.
An 18-year-old from Sanford, Ryan earned the Flight Academy Scholarship, which allowed him to secure his private pilot’s license last summer.
While at Seminole, he was a member of Bokey Student Ambassadors and played junior varsity and varsity volleyball for three years. He graduated summa cum laude and took dual enrollment classes at Seminole State College. He also received the Military Officers Association of America Scholarship (MOAA).
“I chose to attend the Air Force Academy because of the opportunities offered, the experiences I will gain, and the doors that will be opened as a result,” says Ryan, who plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Adds Ryan, “I can earn a highly rated education while also gaining leadership skills and exposure to military lifestyle. I will also be on track to achieve my future goals for my career. I hope to be a fighter pilot for the Air Force like my grandfather, so the Air Force Academy was the easy choice for me in getting there.”
Will Watts
Will Watts has been interested in leadership and the military since he was in elementary school. An 18-year-old from Longwood, he has been a Scout since first grade and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2025. His project, which involved installing two bronze plaques at the Seminole County Heroes Memorial, was recognized as the 2025 Central Florida Council Project of the Year.
At Lake Brantley High School, Will participated in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) and earned the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated Award, and Daughters of the American Revolution Award. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the golf team, and the lacrosse team and graduated with honors.
“Since the fourth grade, I have wanted to join the U.S. Army and have aspired to be a leader,” says Will. “West Point has a long history of developing incredible leaders, and I know this experience will provide the foundation I need to be successful as I serve our country. My call for joining the Army came from learning about our country’s history and the sacrifices made to win the freedom we have today. I knew that it was God’s plan for me to continue that never-ending fight for our freedom and serve our great nation.”