Jordan Englert Jackson High School Valedictorian Jordan Englert will embark on a new journey July 2, when he begins training at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Englert, who boasted a 4.2 grade-point average upon graduation, said he feels it is a great honor to be selected to attend the academy. In addition to his excellent academic credits, he was an active participant on the football field for JHS and has been involved with the Jackson Waverunners' swim team for five years, going from competitor to coach.

According to the U.S. Naval Academy's official Web site, the academy was founded in 1845 by the Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft, in what is now historic Annapolis, Md. The Naval Academy gives young men and women the up-to-date academic and professional train- ing needed to be effective naval and marine officers in their assignments after graduation.

To qualify, an applicant must receive a recommendation from a United States senator or congressman, math and English teachers, be active in sports and other extracurricular activities and complete an intensive interview process.

Englert was recommended for the academy by Congressman Jo Bonner as well as his teachers. In addition to his participation with the football and swim teams, he also teaches swim lessons and serves as a lifeguard at the H.W. Pearce Jr. Memorial Park Pool.

The son of Linda and Craig Englert, of Jackson, he said he visited the academy between his sophomore and junior years of high school. But, he did not make the decision to apply until this past December. "Once I got into the process, learned more about the academy and saw that it was a real possibility, that's when I began to strongly consider it," he said.

Englert said he is considering the possibility of trying to become a Navy pilot, but his long-term aspirations reach further. "I would like eventually to work with foreign governments in the area of diplomacy," he added.

The Englerts will drive to Annapolis June 29, several days before Jordan begins the next chapter of his life. "I would like to recognize and thank all the teachers at Jackson High School. They are all good teachers and I have enjoyed my time there. I will miss Jackson, but plan to visit when I can," he said.

Englert is the grandson of Ann Englert of Leroy and the late George Englert, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Meyer of Ireland, Ind.