Matthew J. Ceh, a 2018 graduate of Parkland High School, will be inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2022 on June 28, and will begin six challenging weeks of basic midshipman training as part of Plebe Summer.

Ceh recently commented on why he decide to join the Navy by email to The Press.

“Serving in the military is the best way I know to make a difference in protecting what I love. I have always known that service to others would be part of my future career,” he said. “I was initially drawn to Navy because it offers the most diverse possibilities to serve, with career options on sea, below sea, in the air, and on land.

“Yet my interest in nuclear engineering solidified Navy as the right choice for me.

“Since all modern submarines and aircraft carriers are nuclear powered, the Naval Academy offers me the unique opportunity to hone valuable career skills as a nuclear engineer while continuing to satisfy my innate desire to serve and protect others.”

Ceh participated in the swimming and diving team, Key Club and National Honor Society at Parkland High School.

He placed sixth at PIAA states in the 50 freestyle (swimming), Parkland High School record holder in the 50 freestyle.

He was the 2018 Dennis McGinley Award winner for the District XI Swimmer of the Meet and a 12-time District XI medalist.

He also placed second at States CYO Basketball with St. Joseph the Worker’s team.

Ceh is the brother of Connor, 22, Jonathan, 20, and Lauren, 16.

He is the son of William and Karen Ceh of Orefield.

Approximately 1,200 candidates are selected each year for the Academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer.

Last year the Naval Academy received more than 16,000 applications for the Class of 2021.

During this time, plebes have no access to television, movies, the Internet or music, and restricted access to cellphones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of Plebe Summer.

The pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help plebes prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years of challenge, which awaits them.

As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing, and handling yard patrol craft. Plebes also learn infantry drill and how to shoot 9 mm pistols and M 16 rifles.

Other daily training sessions involve moral, mental, physical or professional development and team-building skills. Activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, obstacle, endurance and confidence courses designed to develop physical, mental and team-building skills. Forty hours are devoted to the instruction of infantry drill and five formal parades.

Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy today is a prestigious four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the naval service.

Upon graduation, midshipmen earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a choice of 25 different subject majors and go on to serve at least five years of exciting and rewarding service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.