What’s even more rare – this was Winger’s second appointment. Just one week prior, he received the news that he had been accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy. While he is honored to be accepted to both, Winger says the Naval Academy is his primary choice.

“It was a commitment. I started my application two years prior to being accepted, and it was a long wait,” said Winger. “It is a very small percentage of people who even get to the point of the application process and completing it, but it’s an even smaller percentage of people who actually accepted.”

On Friday, Winger was in band class when he was suddenly called to the counselor’s office. There, he was met by his family, Frenship High School administrators, Superintendent Dr. Michelle McCord, and representatives from U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington’s office to tell him the news of his acceptance. After hugs and photos, Winger thought he was going back to class, but was met by crowds of classmates, teachers, friends, and his fellow band members playing the Navy song.

“I thought the surprise was over. I turn the corner and there was a marching band waiting for me,” laughed Winger. “It was just a shock.”

Winger says he is most looking forward to the service aspect of joining the U.S. Naval Academy, something he says Frenship has helped instill in him as a student and leader.

“Everyone here is service oriented, especially the teachers. The organizations here prioritize that, and I’ve really been mentored in a way that shows that service has an impact on the community and an impact on people,” he said. “I want to continue that, and I think that’s a big part of why I’ve prioritized an academy route.”

Winger says he hopes to major in nuclear engineering, a job that will likely land him on a submarine working on nuclear reactors.