CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Erin McCullagh has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.
McCullagh is a competitive swimmer with SwimMAC, served on the high school’s student council, and helps pack Christmas boxes for soldiers deployed overseas.
“My swim team attended camps at the Naval Academy when I was 11 and 13,” McCullagh said. “Each time, I watched our Navy swimmer counselors interact with people around them. I noticed that each of them respected their leaders, their peers, and their school’s history. It was always clear they had a reputation to uphold – a reputation of order, honor and respect. Even though I was young, I liked the example they set. I have never forgotten that example and I’ve wanted to be part of that community since then.”
McCullagh is the daughter of Mary and Mark McCullagh of south Charlotte.
“Congratulations to Erin on your remarkable achievement, and thank you for your commitment to serving our nation,” said Congressman Robert Pittenger in making the announcement. “We look forward to watching you emerge as a leader.”
— Jamie Bowers
CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Luke Santschi has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Santschi had received nominations letters for both the Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy from U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and Congressman Richard Hudson.
He is a member of the high school band’s drum line, an Eagle Scout, a member of the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council, and an avid soccer player. In all of these activities, he strives to be an effective leader and a friend to all he encounters. In addition, he volunteers for the Missionaries of Charity’s summer camp, a refugee relief agency that helps immigrant children settle in the U.S. He particularly enjoys math, science and engineering classes, and he hopes to pursue a career in maritime service with an emphasis on marine engineering, naval architecture and technology.
“Luke Santschi is an intellectual, confident and responsible student leader,” said Sandy Needham, school counselor. “His close family has made him a well-grounded individual who is extremely loyal to family and friends. Overall, he is an outstanding academic student, musician, athlete and leader.”
— Carolyn Kramer Tillman