At age 8 Carissa Earnest decided that she wanted to go to the naval academy. Her parents thought it might be just a passing phase, but Carissa has been determined to follow that dream ever since. It wasn’t long before she decided that she wanted to learn to fly. Later, she got involved in the Technology Student Association at Conestoga Christian School, receiving awards at regional and state competitions, and decided that she wanted to pursue aeronautical engineering.
The United States service academies are federal academies for the undergraduate education and training of commissioned officers for the United States Armed Forces. Being accepted into US Service Academies is not easy. These academies look for high academic achievement, involvement in athletics and other extra-curricular activities, and stellar leadership qualities.
Carissa applied to United States Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Army Academy (West Point), Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy. She recently received Congressional nominations for both the Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy. Having also received an appointment letter, Carissa will likely choose to go to the Merchant Marine Academy and major in engineering.
Jill Earnest, Carissa’s mother and also a staff member at Conestoga, says, “Carissa’s accomplishments are CCS’s accomplishments too… great school, great teachers, lots of support and many prayers! Conestoga’s Director of Student Life, Mr. Greenly helped to be sure that Carissa’s grades and other information were all submitted to the right places. Carissa’s teachers challenged and encouraged her along the way.”
