MBS Students Make History with Appointments to U.S. Naval Academy

It’s an impressive accomplishment for a student to earn admission into the U.S. Naval Academy; to have three seniors from the same graduating class receive Letters of Assurance from the Academy is truly historic.

This week, Morristown-Beard School became the first high school in the nation to have three students from the same graduating class appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland — and all through early admission.

The appointment ceremony was held at Morristown-Beard School on Tuesday, April 30^th as Captain Rick McGoey officially welcomed George Burke ’19, John Trombetta ’19, and Sarah Williams ’19 to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2023.

“We most likely will never see again three students from the same high school graduating class entering the Naval Academy at the same time,” said Captain McGoey. “According to U.S. News & World Report, out of the 5,300 colleges and universities in the United States, the Naval Academy is ranked as one of the top 10 most selective schools based on acceptance rates. Typically, the highest performing high schools may have one student enter the Naval Academy every three or four years. It is rare to have two students enter in one year. For Morristown-Beard School to have three students is unheard of.”

The accomplishment is even more impressive considering the small size of Morristown-Beard School. This year’s graduating class at MBS is only 109 students. 

Captain McGoey continued, “It’s even more remarkable that Sarah, John and George all received Letters of Assurance last fall, offered to only the top performing and outstanding applicants. This is equivalent to an early decision of admission. In the last 50 years, since first offering early decisions, there is no record of any high school in the country having three students from the same graduating class entering the Academy – all with Letters of Assurance. This is a remarkable record! Each of these students, individually and collectively, established a first for the United States Naval Academy — a record that may never be broken since it would be so difficult to match, no less exceed.”

In his appointment speech, Captain McGoey praised the achievements of the three seniors as well as the preparation they received from their school and their families. “This accomplishment is due to the superb academic preparation and character building provided by the staff and faculty of Morristown-Beard School as well as the strong support of their families,” he said. “These three students have my utmost respect. They have selected a most honorable career that may place them in harm’s way. The students will soon be joining the ranks of elite leaders responsible for protecting and preserving the liberties and freedom that we all enjoy.”

“We are extremely proud of George, John and Sarah and all that they have accomplished,” said MBS Headmaster Peter J. Caldwell. “It’s a direct reflection on the character and engagement of our students and the strength of our academic program here at Morristown-Beard School.” 

George Burke is President of the Senior Class at Morristown-Beard School, was captain of the football team, and earned a total of seven varsity letters as a member of the MBS track, lacrosse and football teams. This spring he was honored by the Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation. He is an Eagle Scout, editor and writer for the MBS student newspaper, a member of the Spanish Honor Society, and serves as co-President of the Support Our Troops Club. He was recently inducted into the School’s Cum Laude Society.

John Trombetta serves as Senior Class Treasurer at Morristown-Beard School, a Peer Group Leader, founder of the Engineering Club, and is a recipient of the Congressional Silver Medal Award. In addition to being a captain of the MBS swim team, he is a competitive triathlete who is nationally ranked by USA Triathlon. He has volunteered extensively with special need children through the Kids To Kids program. He has also volunteered with Habitat For Humanity and the Special Olympics.

Sarah Williams is co-President of the Kaleidoscope Club – Morristown-Beard School’s diversity club – and is co-President of the School’s Community Service Club. As an active member of her community, she has volunteered through her church and with the Green Team, the Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center, Grow It Green Morristown, and others. As a member of the MBS track & field team, she earned the Coaches Award and was named Teammate of the Year. She has studied aviation with Eagle Flight Squadron, Inc.

At the U.S Naval Academy, Burke, Trombetta and Williams will join MBS graduate Ryan Waters ’17, who is currently at sophomore and a member of the Navy swim team.