Student Heroes: Vicksburg High School Runner Elects To Serve
VICKSBURG, Mich. (WWJ) - Every high school student has to make a decision before graduation about what they want to do after they walk across the stage. Sometimes that decision is to go to college, while other times it's to join the armed forces.
For Vicksburg High School senior Gabby Perrin, it took some time for her to decide after receiving a cross-country scholarship to Michigan State University and a letter of recommendation from Congressmen Fred Upton to join the Naval Academy — but in the end, she decided Navy was the right fit for her.
Gabby is now the third member of her family to join the armed forces and the first since her grandfather to join the Navy, and will also run for the Midshipmen on their cross-country team.
"I just realized that the Navy could offer me things beyond running," Perrin said. "I mean, it's an honor to be able to run there and at Michigan State; but there are just so many opportunities in the Navy and I really felt like I belonged there after I visited."
Upton selected Gabby because of her 4.0 GPA, volunteer work for various organizations, and membership in the National Honor Society.
Upton explained he doesn't meet the students he gives nominations to at first, as he doesn't want someone to say they got in because they're a supporter or opponent in the political process.
But Upton did get to tell her personally of the acceptance over the phone.
"I track 'em down, don't let them know that I'm calling, the parents don't know that I'm calling, and they're very excited," Upton said.
"I was honestly overwhelmed with emotion when I heard," Perrin said. "There are just so many steps to go through to get into the Naval Academy...and to hear that he nominated me and thought that I belong there just really meant a lot to me."
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If you know anyone that could be labeled a student hero, by setting an example or excelling as a teammate in a unique way, overcoming a challenge, helped a friend or neighbor, gives back to others, or is otherwise an inspiration?
Send an email to WWJ at wwjnewsroom@cbsradio.com including a detailed description of who they are and why the student(s) should be featured.
