Class of 2010

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Class of 2010: Dawley anticipates future at U.S. Naval Academy and beyond

By ADAM WHITE
awhite@fosters.com
sports@fosters.com

Friday, June 18, 2010

EJ Hersom/Staff photographer Dover High School senior Katie Dawley is preparing for an exciting future at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

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DOVER — There's no ceiling on Katie Dawley's dreams. Literally.

Fresh off graduation from Dover High School , the 18-year old is now preparing for what guarantees to be an exciting and challenging future at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. After gaining her degree Dawley hopes to become a pilot, and, one day, an astronaut.

The former Green Wave lacrosse goalie leaves June 30 for Annapolis , and must be present at the Naval Academy for induction on July 1. Once there, she'll be signed into the military and start what is referred to as "plebe summer", the nickname given to freshmen at the Naval Academy .

"The summer's going to be rough," Dawley said. "Plebe summer is basically like boot camp. You get yelled at a lot, and you're kind of the bottom of the food chain for the year. There are a lot of traditions you have to follow and lots of guidelines you have to live by — but I'm actually pretty excited about everything. I think it'll be a fun challenge."

Some of the traditions include listing off the food and drinks present at every meal, naming the officers in charge, announcing any important events such as football games or parades, and of course, taking square corners at all times in Bancroft Hall, the school's only residence hall.

Dawley became interested in attending a military academy around the time she was in sixth grade, and the thought actually stemmed from her father's interest in her brother attending an academy.

"I just got it in my head that it would be awesome to go to an academy," she said. "My dad never actually pushed me in that direction, but he's proud of the decision I made, and he's definitely happy I'm getting a free education."

Midshipmen (students) don't pay for anything at the Academy. Uniforms, food, room and board — everything is free. The only stipulation is that you must serve in the military for at least five years upon graduating.

Dawley's Academy aspirations grew upon joining the ROTC program at Dover High School her freshman year. The class took a field trip to Annapolis, and that was enough to convince Dawley it was where she wanted to go to college.

"I was blown away by everything," said Dawley of her trip to the Naval Academy. "It was such a beautiful school, and everyone was completely crisp and sharp. There were so many things I loved about it. I just thought it was the coolest school ever."

With her future college already picked out as a freshman, Dawley began taking the necessary steps to gain acceptance. The application is long, tedious and stressful.

First, one must fill out an online application (similar to most colleges) that consists of 10-15 pages. He or she must then be medically cleared by a recognized area physician, and pass a physical test with an approved supervisor. The physical test consists of a number of push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, a basketball throw, a sprint, and a 1.5-mile run.

After that, one must obtain a nomination from a member of Congress. The application consists of things such as essays and letters of recommendation. You must then interview with the Congressperson, and then interview with the nearest area admissions officer. After all that, the applicant waits.

Dawley's waiting game came to an end in mid-January when she received a special call from Rep. Carol Shea-Porter.

"She left a message on my phone that was like 'Just wanted to congratulate you on getting into the Naval Academy,'" Dawley said. "I was in my car alone and I just started freaking out waving my hands around like a crazy person. I got out at a stop light and ran up to my friend in front of me to tell her. I'll never forget that."

Dover athletic director Peter Wotton wasn't surprised when he found out about Dawley's acceptance.

"Katie's a tremendous leader," he said. "I've never seen her be afraid to take charge of a situation and do whatever she can to help — whether it's been playing lacrosse or doing one of the many other things she's involved in. Dover High School is very proud of her."

Along with being the starting goalie on the lacrosse team for four years — and a captain this past season — Dawley was involved in ROTC for all four years, served as the historian in the National Honor Society, and was even on a quiz bowl team.

Oh yeah, she's also a second-degree black belt.

"I have a couple brothers who toughened me up when I was younger, and I've just always enjoyed being active and trying different things," Dawley said. "My parents have also been really supportive of my choices, and I've had some really great teachers over the years — like my kindergarten teacher Miss Murphy."

Dawley was the commanding officer of Dover's ROTC unit this year, and couldn't be happier she decided to get involved with the program as a freshman.

"ROTC had a really positive impact on my decision to apply to the Naval Academy," she said. "I enjoyed all the marching, the physical fitness, the teamwork... All that stuff."

Dawley had plans to celebrate graduation by going skydiving with friends. However, those plans got put on the back burner once she was accepted to Annapolis .

"(The Navy) specifically said not to do anything like jump out of planes until you get here," Dawley said with a laugh. "So hopefully I'll get to go skydiving soon."

One thing Dawley will have to do before she arrives in Annapolis is cut her long red hair to chin level. After doing so, she plans on donating the hair to Locks of Love, a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

Dawley is extremely proud to have been accepted to the Naval Academy — which did not allow women to attend until 1976. Females now comprise about 22 percent of entering plebes.

"I'm really honored to have gotten in," she said. "There's so many great kids who apply, and it's a very selective admissions process."

Along with the rest of the midshipmen, Dawley will live at Bancroft Hall. It's the Naval Academy's only residence hall, and was named for the Academy's founder, Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft. Its also the largest college residence hall in the world. She plans to major in either chemistry or aeronautical engineering, and hopes to get involved in as many extracurriculars as time allows.

"I'm excited about everything," she said. "I'm going to do as much as I can, and work as hard as I can."

When made aware of Dawley's ambitious future plans, Wotton's response was simple and powerful.

"Katie's proven that she can accomplish whatever she puts her mind to," he said. "I wouldn't bet against her."

EJ Hersom/Staff photographer Dover High School senior Katie Dawley is preparing for an exciting future at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Dawley was a four-year starter in goal for the Green Wave's lacrosse team, and was captain of the squad this past season.

The Kids are Alright!