A Teen’s Take: Carly Shoemake on the U.S. Navy
“I am choosing to serve in the U.S. Navy because of the opportunities it provides me to obtain the best education and accomplish my goals to become a successful naval aviator. My desire is to serve our great country and be a part of something bigger than myself for the good of the people. My dream is to become the U.S. Navy’s first female competing Blue Angel.”
Age: 17
School: Dutchtown High School in Geismar, senior in the fall.
Parents: Cindy Ragsdale and Neil Shoemake.
FAVORITES:
Book: “‘The Giving Tree’ because of its message of generosity.”
TV show: “I don’t really have a favorite TV show. I don’t have much time to watch it. But if I had to pick one, it is ‘Reba.’ I love how she’s a strong-willed mother with wholesome values and everyday problems that she handles with grace and humor.”
Movie: “Forrest Gump” and “Top Gun.”
Music: All kinds, country, hip-hop, Christian.
Hangout: None.
Role model: “My Mom is who I look to for guidance. She is an example of strength and grace. She is an amazing person who is able to laugh through the hard times and rise above adversity with a positive attitude. She is who I try to emulate and want to be like when I grow up.”
Extra: Carly Shoemake was selected by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. to attend Summer Seminar 2012, a fast-paced, six-day experience that teaches students about life at the Naval Academy, where she hopes to go after high school to study aerospace engineering. Her extracurricular activities include Junior ROTC, cross country, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and band (seven years playing the clarinet). She works for State Farm Insurance (Ken Kennelly), volunteers as a Little League soccer referee and is pursuing her pilot license.
William Taylor
Assistant People editor