Army, Navy, or Air Force? Gulf Coast High senior to decide

NAPLES, Fla.- Seventeen-year-old Noah Evans’ multitasking throughout his time at Gulf Coast High School is paying off.

Besides being a drum major in the school’s well-known band, Evans is a National Honor Society member, plays basketball, was on the swim team, and this year, decided to try track for the first time.

“I sacrifice sleep,” Evans laughed. “I mean, I’ve been pretty busy throughout high school, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The high school senior has received acceptances to all three military academies and now has a big decision to make: Should he attend college at West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy?

“I think the first thing that drew me to a military academy was the challenge,” Evans said. “At first I was just looking at it from a school standpoint, what do I want to do after high school? But now, I have to think about it as a possible career standpoint.”

With no family in the military or any JROTC experience, Evans had to receive recommendations from lawmakers in addition to applying. He says an intimidating interview with Congressman Curt Clawson’s Advisory Committee is what got him accepted to all three academies.

“He can nominate you to multiple schools,” Evans said.

The committee is made up of area leaders and former military personnel, Clawson nominated the teen based on the committee’s recommendation.

“Southwest Florida has produced some of the most qualified candidates for our nation’s Service Academies, and Noah Evans is no exception,” Clawson said in a statement to WINK News. “Noah was part of the second class of nominees I have had the honor of reviewing, I continue to be honored and impressed that these fine students would not only prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead of them if they are accepted, but that they would also give themselves to serve our nation and defend our freedom.”

Evans also received a recommendation from Sen. Marco Rubio.

Now that the teenager has visited all three schools, he’s still unsure of where his career path will lead him, but he does know playing basketball in college is important and could be the ultimate decision maker.