Bridget Brennan is the third member of her family to receive an appointment to the U.S. Navy Academy as older brothers Tommy and Joseph, also Hockinson graduates, were Midshipmen as well

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Pressure is a privilege.

The best athletes feel this way.

So, too, do the best aerospace engineers. Or economists.

And yes, pilots.

The best of the best embrace the challenge.

Even if something is a bit scary.

Bridget Brennan is about to embark on a journey that will initially take her to the other side of the country for her studies, and then she will head out across the world to serve, to defend.

“Knowing who I’m going for, friends and family and home, that’s who I’m fighting for, and for my country,” Brennan said. “I grew up in a family that all served. I’m seeing the family that they built for me. I think it makes it all worth it. It makes sense.”

Bridget Brennan, the salutatorian for Hockinson High School Class of 2026, will not be able to attend her school’s graduation ceremony next week. She leaves this week for Annapolis, Md, in preparation for her first year at the United States Naval Academy.

Her drive to make it to the academy started more than 10 years ago, when she was with her parents when the family dropped off Bridget’s oldest brother Tommy at the academy.

“I told my parents, ‘This is where I want to go to school,’” Bridget said. “I was 7 years old. I’ve been working on it ever since.”

Bridget has had plenty of opportunities to learn from experts on what to expect in academy life. Tommy graduated from the Naval Academy, as did her other brother Joseph.

Yes, Thomas and Leilani’s three children are Midshipmen.

Tommy and Joseph are now both pilots in the Navy. Bridget wants to join them.

Her plan is to study economics or aerospace engineering in Annapolis. (“I know those are very different,” she said with a laugh.)

Then go to flight school. Jets or helicopters would work for Bridget.

Again, through her family connections, she is going into the Naval Academy with a lot more knowledge than, say, a freshman who is arriving at the academy for the first time. Bridget has been to the academy several times over the years and also has traveled to famous Army-Navy football games several times.

She said she understands the traditions associated with service academies. She is looking forward to meeting her classmates, knowing they are all there to not just receive an education, but to serve.

“It’s so much more meaningful than a normal school,” Bridget said.

Bridget said she started working on applying for the academy way back in middle school by laying a foundation with strong study habits, extracurricular activities, and through service projects in her community. She turned in her application last spring. She went through an interview process with Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

Then waited.

As it got closer to the time when decisions would be made, Bridget would check the admissions portal.

One day in January …

“Oh my gosh. It says ‘accepted,’” she recalled.

“I ran downstairs to tell my parents.”

That was fitting. They have, after all, been there for her through the entire process.

“They’ve been the biggest supporters,” Bridget said. “Dad was in the Navy. Mom was in the Air Force. Both of my parents have been guiding me. They had a blueprint to get me to this point, and I just had to follow it.”

Bridget also appreciates her academic community. Not just Hockinson, but Prairie, as well. Bridget used to go to Prairie High School in the mornings for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program, then return to Hockinson for her classes.

She said she wanted to thank her teachers at both schools.

Plus, she asked for a special shout-out to her AP Government teacher at Hockinson, Heidi Morris.

“She always encourages people to do things to help their community,” Bridget said.

Now Bridget Brennan is heading to the Navy Academy.

“I want to help people around me and serve the country I love,” she said.