Lauren Ceh of Upper Macungie Township, will soon begin the next chapter of her life, joining the United States Navy.

Ceh, who will be graduating June 9 from Parkland High School, was recently inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2024.

On June 25, she will begin six challenging weeks of basic midshipman training as part of Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Ceh said Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, nominated her to the U.S. Naval Academy.

“It is a great honor to have been selected from a very well-qualified pool of applicants,” Ceh said.

Ceh explained why she decided to join the Navy.

“Throughout high school, I have been actively involved in community service and it has easily been the most fulfilling part of my high school career,” Ceh said.

“This made me realize that my future must include service to others.

“I decided to attend the Naval Academy because of the exceptional academic and leadership training that will prepare me for the ultimate type of service, serving my country.

“Additionally, my greatest accomplishments in high school came from strong team experiences. I want to continue sharing in the family-like feel of a tight knit team that accomplishes great things.”

The Naval Academy was not something Ceh really considered until her junior year of high school.

“Throughout my brother Matthew’s plebe year at the Naval Academy, my parents and I made several visits to Annapolis to attend USNA events and to take him and his friends out for dinner,” she stated.

“Our numerous meal-time conversations gave me a unique insight into the kind of person who attends the Naval Academy and what being a midshipman is all about.

“I realized that in many ways I was just like them and began to consider the Naval Academy as part of my future.

“What began back in September of my junior year as just a spark of interest to learn more about the Naval Academy, has evolved today into confidence that the Naval Academy is where I belong.”

Throughout her four years at the academy, Ceh will be exposed to many different military career paths both during the academic year and during her summer training.

“I’m not exactly sure what I want to do yet.

“My experiences will likely shape my decision regarding service selection,” she stated.

Ceh plans on majoring in quantitative economics at the Naval Academy.

“I believe this major will afford me a wide variety of career opportunities if I choose to return to civilian life after my five-year service commitment,” she explained.

Ceh discussed how she feels about moving away from home.

“Being at the Naval Academy will certainly be an adjustment,” Ceh said. “My whole life, I was fortunate to grow up in the same home and go to the same school.

“Moving away from home and adjusting to military life will be a challenge but I am confident I will be able to adapt to my new environment quickly.”

In addition to her brother, Matthew, being a current midshipman at the Naval Academy, Ceh’s uncle and cousin both served in the Navy as medical professionals.

According to Naval Academy information sent to Ceh upon her acceptance, “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.

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.

According to the information, 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 M16 rifles.

Training also includes 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.

Karen and Bill Ceh offered a joint comment on their daughter joining the Navy.

“We are very excited for her,” they said. “The Navy offers incredible opportunities.”

They explained what they would like their daughter to learn from joining the Navy.

“We believe she will gain valuable leadership experience, and a great sense of satisfaction from doing something important for her country,” the Cehs explained

In addition to Matthew, Ceh has two other brothers, Connor and Jonathan.