Nimitz High School standout senior Thomas Vo has earned an appointment to the US Naval Academy with a full-ride $750,000 scholarship.
A special ceremony was held at Nimitz on April 5, 2023.
"Ever since I was little, I loved discipline," explains Vo to CBS News.
"So, I was like: 'hey, even though there's only an 8.5% chance I'm going to get in, I'm going to just apply and see where it takes me'."
"I've been smiling so much my face hurts," Vo shared with a laugh just before the ceremony in his honor. Vo says both grandparents were in the military, and he has always been drawn to the idea of serving his country.
Vo gave special credit to Irving ISD ROTC teacher Lt. Trevor Smalls for encouraging his service dreams.
"Still fees surreal," explains Vo. "It will hit me when I'm on the plane headed to Maryland. For now, I'm just trying to soak in the moment."
