Madison teen reports to Naval Academy in June

MADISON — Madison-Ridgeland Academy senior Will Triplett has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Triplett received prestigious offers of appointments from both the U.S. Military at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy with nominations from Rep. Michael Guest and Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker.

“I am highly thankful for this extraordinary opportunity and all the people who have worked really hard with me over the years to help me achieve this,” Triplett said. “It really wouldn’t have been possible without God, my family, and my MRA teachers and mentors. I’m beyond grateful for my nomination to the Naval Academy from Congressman Guest and his staff, as well as the strong guidance and encouragement from Mr. Steve Guyton.”

Triplett is one of over 15,000 applicants to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2026. Just over 1,200 are offered appointments to the academy. 

“It’s an experience that will challenge and push me to be the best version of myself,” said Triplett.

At Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Triplett served as captain of the cross country and track teams, and he made the MAIS All State Cross Country team three years in a row. 

Triplett was also selected to represent MRA at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference; the Madison County Business Youth Leadership Program; and Mississippi Boys State, where he was elected lieutenant governor.

“My appointment to the Naval Academy is the highest honor I have received. MRA has prepared me for this next step by helping me develop in the areas of academics, leadership, service, and sports,” Triplett said. 

June 30 is Induction Day at the Naval Academy and the beginning of the six-week basic training, followed by four years of college education, and then a minimum five-year service commitment to the United States Navy.

Service academies, with the exception of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, require a nomination from a resident’s U.S. representative, one of their U.S. senators, or the vice president of the United States to attend. Each academy admission board determines final appointments. 

“I’m just soaking up the days I still have at home," Triplett said.  “While I will miss my family and friends, I’m humbled and excited to represent Mississippi at the Naval Academy and eventually serve our great country as a commissioned officer in the Navy.”