Charles Finney School Student Appointed to Naval Academy

April 3, 2008 – Penfield, New York – Joseph Buonaccorso, a 12th grader at The Charles Finney School, was recently offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Buonaccorso was nominated by Congressman James Walsh, R- 25th District. He is the son of Michael and Deborah Buonaccorso of Penfield, New York.

Buonaccorso’s motivation to apply to the academy came when he attended a one-week long summer seminar, which took place in June 2007. He had to be tripled-qualified by the academy, which included passing the DoDMERB (Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board) exam and the CFA (Candidate Fitness Assessment), in addition to being scholastically eligible through his SAT scores and school grades. His involvement in sports and other extra-curricular activities and his leadership qualities were also taken into consideration. Nationally, there are 12,000 to 20,000 candidates that apply annually, with only 1,500 receiving an appointment.

“I have always been interested in the Navy and Naval architecture,” stated Buonaccorso. “At the same time, this will also provide me with an opportunity to serve my country. I am extremely excited and grateful for this honor.”

While both of his parents are very proud of his accomplishment and encouraged and helped him through the process, Buonaccorso realizes that his mom is a little apprehensive. “I guess she’s reacting as any mother would, knowing that their son or daughter is pursuing a military career,” he said.

While at the academy, Buonaccorso will be required to take a core curriculum of academic and professional courses including those involving military strategy and law, ethics, science, and leadership. The school also offers 19 subject areas in engineering, science, mathematics, computer science, humanities, and social science. Additionally, there are numerous extracurricular activities, in which he hopes to participate. Subsequent training would take place at naval bases and on ships during part of each summer.

Upon graduation, Buonaccorso would receive a bachelor’s degree in a specified major field and would receive a reserve commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. His ultimate goal is to become either a Navy or Marine pilot, which would require a nine-year military commitment.

Buonaccorso was quick to point out that his experience as a student at The Charles Finney School helped to stimulate his interest in naval architecture.

“When I was in the ninth grade, I took a career aptitude test, which steered me toward naval architecture. Then I did a college search and came across the Naval Academy. From that point on, I knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue.”

Buonaccorso will not have the luxury of enjoying an extended summer vacation with his friends this year. He leaves for the academy on July 2, where his first seven weeks will be spent in basic training.

“I know that this is right for me,” Buonaccorso emphasized. “It’s a big step toward reaching my life’s goals and ambitions.”