CHICOPEE - The new service academy appointees announced yesterday by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, are eagerly embracing the challenges they know they are about to face.
"Obviously I'm nervous," said Brigid M. Jurgens, 17, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, "but I'm really looking forward to the challenge. It's not like any other college experience."
Jurgens, a senior at Wilbraham and Monson Academy who lives in Wilbraham, said she thought the Navy was a good fit for her. "I wanted to serve my country," she said, "and I thought the Naval Academy was good for me, because I like being on the water." She plans to play lacrosse at Annapolis.
"I'm more excited right now. I'm not really nervous yet," Matthew C. Cignoli, 18, of Springfield, said about the propects of matriculating at the U.S. Air Force Academy in a few months.
"I've always wanted to fly. I developed a serious interest in it," said Cignoli, who grew up near Westover Air Reserve Base, where yesterday's introduction ceremony took place, and attends Cathedral High School.
Andrew J. Price, 18, of Webster, grew up listening to his stepfather Keith A. Rockwood's Navy stories. Now he plans to accept a commission as a Navy ensign when he graduates four years from now from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
"I'm looking forward to it," Price, a senior at Bartlett High School, said of the next four years. "I always like a good challenge. Nothing worthwhile comes easy."
Two other Neal appointees - Greg Sacenti, of East Longmeadow, to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Nicole Leonard of North Brookfield to the Naval Academy - were unable to attend yesterday's event.
Neal commended all his appointees for successfully making it through the rigorous application process.
"This is an extraordinary process they go through," Neal said. "When you meet these kids, you have great faith in the future of America."
Family members present yesterday said it was a special day.
"My heart is bursting with pride," said Emilia M. Cignoli, mother of Matthew Cignoli. "We're very proud that he wants to give back, to the world (and) to mankind."
Brigid Jurgens' father James S. Jurgens, calling yesterday a proud moment, said that given the troubled times, "Certainly people have to step forward, and Brigid, to her credit, has made that decision to do so."
"Andy is just a fantastic boy," Rockwood, who visited six continents during his own time in the Navy, said of his stepson Andrew Price.
Neal also commended his aide Jeanne B. Ahern, who handles much of the academy application process.
Ahern joined representatives from the service academies in explaining the process to an audience of prospective candidates after the appointment ceremonies were over.
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