Four Bethel Park seniors receive service academy appointments
Courtesy of the Bethel Park School District
Four members of the Bethel Park High School Class of 2025 have received appointments to United States service academies.
Seniors Rocco Capozzoli, Brady McKiernan and Clancy Orie will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and Aaron Hoffbauer will head to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. Each will report to his respective academy in June.
This marks the first time in school history that this number of students have received military appointments.
Orie, a standout football player, chose the Naval Academy after receiving offers from schools such as Air Force, Harvard and Miami, Ohio. He plans to major in economics.
“This is about more than just football – it’s about forming a brotherhood and challenging myself,” Orie said. “My parents have been supportive, even though it’s a little scary for them.”
McKiernan, a decorated swimmer and musician, found out about his appointment at the PIAA swimming championships.
“I opened the email, saw ‘USNA Admission Decision,’ and just started shouting,” McKiernan said. He plans to study aerospace engineering while continuing music and possibly playing a club sport. “My coaches fueled my fire, especially during those early morning lifts. They helped shape who I am.”
Capozzoli was the first of the four to secure his spot, thanks in large part to a pivotal moment during an in-person visit to the Naval Academy in October. While on campus, he received a Letter of Assurance directly from admissions – a rare early signal of acceptance.
Capozzoli, a swimmer and Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor, plans to study nuclear engineering. He said the Naval Academy was his top choice since his junior year. “Once I saw the campus and felt the culture, I knew I had to be there,” he said. “It’s the perfect fit for me – combining physical challenge with academic rigor.”
Hofbauer is fulfilling a dream rooted in childhood and inspired by his grandfather, a Marine. He envisioned attending West Point beginning in middle school.
“There’s no greater place to apply the values my parents instilled in me,” Hofbauer said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this group of young men who will serve our country.”
He plans to continue serving in the military after completing the academy.