If you listened to Pat O’Shaughnessy’s CHEERS program this past week, you heard Pat’s conversation with 2020 Danville High School graduate Peyton Hile; who recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy.
As Hile explained, a camp she attended at the Naval Academy, while in high school, convinced her that that was where she wanted to go. She recalled her interview with Congressman John Shimkus, which ended up going very well.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I also got to interview with Congressman Shimkus, in person; and got to explain my story, and why I wanted to go to the academy, and why I was seeking his nomination. And I think that was the turning point. He didn’t even ask me any questions. I just spilled out my entire life story; I explained my passions, and why I wanted to do this. And he was like, “Alright, you got it. We’ll get you there.”
After one year at prep school, her actual time at the Naval Academy began; with the initial “Plebe Year.”
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Oh, it’s so hard to put into words. But, it’s intense. I feel like the best way to describe it is you’re exhausted all the time, but you have to keep pushing through the days no matter what. There is no other option to it. I was expected every morning to wake up, 0500, getting ready for a workout with my classmates; which most of the time was fun. Some mornings were pretty grueling, but that’s expected for a Plebe Year. After that; quickly go to formation, go to breakfast.
To hear all of Pat O’Shaughnessy’s CHEERS program interview with Peyton Hile, please go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/cheers-vermilion-county/
