Huntington graduate attending Naval Academy Preparatory School

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read
Greg Richards graduated from Huntington high school earlier this year. He is looking forward to attending the Naval Academy and eventually becoming a naval officer.
Greg Richards graduated from Huntington high school earlier this year. He is looking forward to attending the Naval Academy and eventually becoming a naval officer.

CHILLICOTHE— A recent Huntington High School graduate has started his next phase in life by attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Here he will be able to follow his dreams of being in the military and serving his country.

Greg Richards has dreamed of being in the military since he was a little kid. His father helped inspire this dream as he was in the Marine Corps. As he grew up, Richards realized it wasn't just his dad who inspired his dream, it was his own desire to help and protect others.

"I've always wanted to do my part," said Richards. "Basically help protect the people I love and help protect the people in my community."

Originally, Richards planned to just enlist in the Marines, but he found that he had a strong natural leadership ability. He wanted to use this skill to not just enlist but to become an officer.

"Since I realized I had these abilities I thought since I wanted to go to the Marine Corps why don't I just become a Marine Corps Officer," said Richards. "So I can use those skills as well as be in the Marine Corps and better help serve my country."

Greg Richards (top) was a four-sport athlete for the Huntington Huntsmen with wrestling being one of his favorites. He achieved his 100 wins during his senior year, which is a huge accomplishment for a wrestler during their high school career. Richards also played football and ran cross country and track.
Greg Richards (top) was a four-sport athlete for the Huntington Huntsmen with wrestling being one of his favorites. He achieved his 100 wins during his senior year, which is a huge accomplishment for a wrestler during their high school career. Richards also played football and ran cross country and track.

Getting into a military academy is no easy task — the school Richards was accepted into has only a 9% acceptance rate. On top of test scores, applicants must receive a nomination from their state's senator or representatives. They also have to pass a physical fitness test.

Richards says playing sports in school helped him stay in good physical shape and get prepared for the test. During his senior year, he competed in four different sports for the school: football, cross country, wrestling and track.

After a 10-month course at the preparatory school, Richards will spend four years at the United States Naval Academy where he will take a variety of courses to help him excel in life and the military. After graduating, Richards must spend at least five years in active duty service.

Richards hopes his story can inspire others who are reaching for a dream that may seem impossible.

"Never let anyone tell you you can't follow your dreams," said Richards. "If you work hard enough

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Huntington graduate attending Naval Academy Preparatory School