By Ethan Faverino |
A recent graduate of Glendale Prep has earned one of the nation’s most prestigious military appointments, securing admission to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
David Vosekalns, a member of Glendale Prep’s Class of 2026, will officially join the Naval Academy’s class of 2030 when he is inducted on June 25, 2026.
His appointment comes after a highly competitive selection process that saw approximately 16,000 applicants nationwide compete for roughly 1,200 available spots.
“David was one of about 16,000 students from throughout the nation who applied for one of the approximately 1,200 appointments to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2030,” explained Blue and Gold Officer and volunteer field representative for the Naval Academy Admissions Office, Sue Wester. “In receiving his appointment, David was recognized for his citizenship, athleticism, scholarship, and moral character as being worthy to join the Brigade of Midshipmen and become a U.S. military officer.”
Vosekalns received a digital offer of appointment on May 20, 2026 but his official certificate of appointment was formally presented by Wester during a ceremony held at the office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh in Surprise, Arizona.
Congressman Hamadeh, who nominated Vosekalns for admission to the Naval Academy, played an important role in his journey to Annapolis. Earlier this year, Vosekalns had the opportunity to meet Hamadeh during a senior trip to Washington, D.C., with his classmates from Glendale Prep.
“Today, we’re in Congressman Abraham Hamadeh’s office, said Vosekalns at his appointment ceremony. “He gave me my nomination to the Naval Academy. On the senior trip to Washington, D.C., I was fortunate enough to work with Congressman Hamadeh’s office to meet him with some of my other friends in his Washington office.”
Reflecting on his acceptance, Vosekalns expressed both gratitude and humility.
“I received the digital offer of appointment on May 20th, and I’m just dumbstruck, still processing it,” he said. “I just know that this is where the Lord’s led me, and I’m still processing it.”
As part of the Naval Academy’s freshman class, known as “plebes”, Vosekalns will participate in Plebe Summer, an intensive six-week military training program designed to prepare incoming midshipmen for academy life.
During the training, plebes have no access to television, movies, music, or the internet and are only allowed two phone calls during the six weeks.
Vosekalns plans to study engineering while attending the academy and credits Glendale Prep with helping him for the opportunity.
“Without Glendale Prep, I would not be here in a lot of ways,” he said. “All my letters of recommendation were written by the teachers at Glendale Prep, and the college counselor, Mrs. Sarbacker, was extremely helpful in the process.”
The appointment has also drawn praise from Congressman Hamadeh’s office.
In a statement posted on X, the office said:
“We are incredibly proud of David Vosekalns, a recent Glendale Prep graduate who has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. David’s exceptional character, scholarship, and leadership so impressed Congressman Hamadeh that this appointment was an easy decision. Congratulations, David! We know you are destined for great things.”
As Vosekalns prepares to report for Plebe Summer and begin his journey toward becoming a naval officer, he joins a select group of future military leaders entrusted with serving the nation.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
