Accomplished Okkodo High student headed to the U.S. Naval Academy

He's starting U.S. Naval Academy this summer in Annapolis, Maryland, but that wasn't the only knock on his door. 

Okkodo High School senior Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Saber also received an appointment to the United States Air Force
Academy earlier this year and in May, he also received an offer of appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy Scholar Program, according to a Guam Department of Education release. 

The programs are so prestigious that they have an acceptance rate of less than 15 percent. And of the 15,000 applications submitted each year, only 1,200 candidates are appointed.

Saber accepted his letter of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and is scheduled to leave mid-June for six weeks of Plebe Summer training. He is the only GDOE senior to enroll in a U.S. military academy this fall.

His path began at the start of high school when he enrolled in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program and became part of the Cyber Patriot Team. There he discovered that becoming a cadet helped him to achieve self-discipline, confidence and self-determination.

Saber developed a desire to serve his country, and soon aspired to apply for the U.S. Naval Academy. He stayed focused on his goal, earning accomplishments throughout his senior year including
MCJROTC Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award for Academics and Military Leadership. Only four of those awards are presented nationwide.

Saber's accomplishments stretch beyond the JROTC program. He took 8th place in the All-Island Cross-Country competition, he was his Running club treasurer, Student Boday Association Sergeant of Arms, National Honor Society Vice-President, Mu-Alpha-Theta
Math Honor Society President, and the Bulldog Battalion Cadet Commanding Officer.

At the Naval Academy, Saber will pursue his four-year degree, he will become a Commissioned Officer and serve a minimum of five years of active duty military service in either the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps.

“I want to congratulate Alex on his hard work and dedication to his school and to achieving his goals,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “It is exciting to see another one of our
graduates being selected for the U.S. Naval Academy and I encourage our students to look into these unique opportunities after high school. I wish him well on this new journey.”