THREE STUDENTS MAKE THE GRADE FOR NAVAL ACADEMY

Three area students will report to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. July 2.

Clinton Tracy of Cape Girardeau, Kent Tranter of Jackson and L.G. Black IV of Charleston will be inducted for the Class of 1996.

The three are among 1,125 students admitted. More than 14,800 students applied to the academy. Midshipmen are from all 50 states and 22 foreign countries.

Students admitted to the academy receive their education at no cost to themselves or family. The education is valued at $150,000.

Tracy would like to become a Navy pilot; he also plans to pursue a medical career.

Tracy said he first became interested in a military career when he was a boy. He spent time with a neighbor who was a World War II veteran of the Navy.

As he got older, Tracy began to more seriously consider applying to the Naval Academy.

"I kind of had this picture in my mind of what it would be like," he said. "We went to visit, and it was a lot different than I had pictured. It was a lot more strict."

Tracy visited a second time, stayed in the barracks with another student and decided he would go.

"It's going to be tough, mentally and physically," he said. "But I know for sure I want to try to fly an F-18."

He said he's wanted to become a fighter pilot ever since seeing the movie "Top Gun" some years ago.

In order to become candidates for the academy, among other things, students had to complete physicals, write essays and receive a congressional nomination.

"They just look for little things to eliminate people," Tracy said. "The essays were hard because you knew any of the answers could be the one that makes or breaks you.

"You go in front of a review board, a panel of six, to see if you would get the congressional nomination. That was one of the toughest parts," Tracy said. "They really asked tough questions and tried to grill you. They wanted to know what you were thinking and if this was really what you wanted to do. I liked it, though. It was a challenge.

"It will be a drastic lifestyle change," Tracy said. "I'm sure it will be worth it

Tranter said he is undecided about his major, but is considering political science. He is interested in becoming a pilot.

Tranter said he, too, knew from an early age he wanted to join the Navy.

"I had two grandfathers in the Navy. Growing up around them got Navy etched in my mind," he said. "When I thought about where I wanted to go to college, the Naval Academy seemed like a natural.

"I started applying the summer before my senior year, knowing it's one of the best educations a person can get," Tranter said.

He added that the academy training offers more than just education.

"The Navy turns out people who are going to be leaders. Being exposed to leaders around the clock at the Naval Academy will be a really good experience.

"I hear that it will be very tough, but I'm ready for it, I think," Tranter said.

Tracy graduated June 5 from Cape Girardeau Central High School with academic honors and a college preparatory studies certificate. He was a member of National Honor Society, student senate, and Young Life. He attended Boys State. He served as president of the Letterman's Club, participated as a three-year football letterman and captain. As a senior, he was selected for the first team All Conference, District and All Southeast Missouri High School football teams. He was also a varsity wrestling letterman.

He is the son of Brian and Debra Tracy of Cape Girardeau.

Tranter graduated May 17 from Jackson High School. He was a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, and participated in track and cross country and band. He was president of Future Business Leaders of America, attended Boys State and was on the honor roll.

He is the son of Wes and Babs Tranter of Jackson.

Black said, "This is something I have wanted to do since in about the eighth grade. It's going to be tough, but I like challenges."

Black plans a career in aerospace or nuclear engineering. "That's why I picked this academy over the others," he said. "I chose the academy over other colleges because of the price.

"I talked to some people up there and they said `pleb summer,' which is what we are about to start, is the toughest thing they ever did. But I'm ready."

Black graduated May 19 as valedictorian of Charleston High School. He was treasurer of the National Honor Society and a member of the tennis team.

He is the son of Ann and Lanie Black of Charleston.