McElfresh accepted into the United States Naval Academy

By Nila Harris

Brennan McElfresh’s initial interest in the United States Naval Academy probably started on an eighth-grade field trip to Washington, D.C., according to Brennan’s dad Justin. As part of that trip, McElfresh visited the school in Annapolis, Maryland. Fast forward to the summer between his sophomore and junior years at East Jessamine High School, Brennan applied to and was accepted at the Gatton Academy. This program allows junior and senior high school students to live on Western Kentucky University’s campus, take advanced math and science classes, and receive college credits. Following this path meant that the sports-loving athlete had to give up sports, but he found a new way to compete—in the academic arena. Excellence at Gatton helped this Nicholasville native when he applied for the U.S. Naval Academy.

McElfresh, the son of PCHS graduates Justin and Carrie Wright McElfresh, applied and was accepted at the Academy which has only an 11 percent acceptance rate. As part of the application process, the applicant needs to obtain a nomination from a U.S. Representative or a U.S. Senator who represents the student’s congressional district/state. McElfresh met with legislators, was interviewed, and received nomination letters from Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Andy Barr. McElfresh also had to pass a fitness evaluation. “To have the best shot at getting in (the U.S. Naval Academy), you should aim for the 75 percentile, with a 1370 SAT or a 32 ACT. You should also have a 3.66 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.” prepscholar.com.  

This past June 30th, McElfresh had to be on the campus for a program much like boot camp. He was unable to have contact with anyone for 60 days, which made it difficult for his parents. Fortunately, they were able to buy a photo package and a photographer for the institution gave them a link to see various activities their son participated in. It became a game of “Where’s Waldo” as mom and dad searched through hundreds of photos to find their son. At the completion of boot camp, the parents, along with nine other family members, made the trek to see their loved one. 

According to usnews.com, the United States Naval Academy ranks #3 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. McElfresh plans on studying robotics and control engineering, but does not have to declare a major until the end of his freshman year. This career path may change, depending on the needs of The Navy. He will complete his four-year degree, then serve as an officer for five years, before re-enlisting, if he chooses.

Incidentally, Brennan is not the first military member in this family. Brennan’s grandfather, Larry Wright, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Wright, who passed away in August of this year, knew that his grandson had been accepted in the Academy.

Brennan is the grandson of Ginny Wright of Falmouth and Dr. Monte and Myrna McElfresh of Butler, and a brother to Collin.