By Stacey Tucker (Contact / Staff Bio)
July 3, 2009 - 09:55 a.m. EST

REESE — A Reese High School graduate will be shipping off to one of the finest educational facilities in the country within the next few weeks.

Caleb Bekemeier knew beyond all doubt that he was made for the U.S. Naval Academy. His appointment to the school May 21 confirmed that the young man would soon be saying his good-byes and heading to Annapolis, Maryland.

“It’s one of the best educations,” Bekemeier said. “I’m ready to serve my country.”

Before Bekemeier could even be considered for the school, he had to first fulfill a list of requirements.

The first thing on his list was to fill out a normal-looking college application and then a more unusual one.

“I had a normal application I had to fill out online and a separate application with Dale Kildee,” he said. “I had to get a nomination from a congressman.”

Once that was completed, Bekemeier had to pass a series of physical education tests.

“I had to run a mile, do push-ups, pull- ups and sit-ups,” he said. “They just wanted to make sure they chose people who could endure the training.”

According to the U.S. Naval Academy, midshipmen as well as all active duty Navy personnel must take the Physical Readiness Test twice a year. The test consists of a 1.5 mile run, push-ups in two minutes and sit-ups in two minutes. The guidelines for prospective candidates are a 1.5 mile run in 10:30, 40 push-ups in two minutes and 65 sit-ups in two minutes.

Once Bekemeier completed all of the admission requirements, his entire file was sent to the naval academy.

Bekemeier will leave for the academy this month and he said he’s getting really excited and a little nervous, too.

“I’m not sure what to expect when I get there,” he said. “I just know what I’ve read online.

“I’ve only been able to do my own research.”

Packing for college will be a breeze for him as well, since there is a limit requirement on clothes and personal items.

“For the first seven weeks, there is no contact with family except maybe letters,” he said “And then you’re granted phone privileges.”

No matter what Bekemeier encounters at his new college, he will be ready to face it head-on and excel.

Bekemeier was involved Reese High School football, band, drumline, jazz band, the National Honor Society, the Munger youth group “Spuds” and the Reese youth group “Spuds,” as well as St. Elizabeth Church basketball.

Stacey Tucker is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at tucker@tcadvertiser.com.