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Demopolis High School held a program Thursday, April 24, to recognize the achievement of one outstanding student, George Austin Wright, on his acceptance into the United States Naval Academy.

Members of Wright’s family attended, as well as portions of the student body. Speakers included DHS Principal Terina Gantt, DCS Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator Derrik Hester and US Naval Academy Admissions Area Coordinator for Alabama, Brian Campbell.

According to Campbell, this acceptance constitutes a full four year scholarship equivalent to $350,000 in value.

“And when he graduates, he’s automatically guaranteed a job,” Campbell said. Upon completion of their four-year degree, graduates become commissioned officers in either the Marine Corps or Navy.

Principal Gantt commented, “I can’t think of anyone better to actually accept this. … It’s more than Austin being on student council, being on the soccer team, being on the football team, and being a leader in our school. Austin’s just a good guy. … and I’m so excited and so happy when good things happen to good people.”

The Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is notoriously competitive for admissions, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. According to Campbell, Wright competed against over 15,200 students for the spot in the Naval Academy, and only 1,100 were chosen.

“We really only get about 12-14 candidates from the state of Alabama on any given year,” he added, “When you sit down and interview somebody like this, you can tell right away the moral courage and character, all the attributes we’re looking for, for leaders of our country.”

To be competitive, candidates need to excel academically, demonstrate strong leadership qualities, and pass rigorous physical fitness tests. They must also be recommended not only by teachers and principals, but have a nomination from congress. According to Campbell, this typically requires letters from state and federal representatives.

Although a rare achievement for any single school, this is the second appointment to a military academy from DHS in recent years, as Wright’s older sister Jane was also appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2023.