Region – Four local residents recently completed “Plebe Summer” at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.: Navy Midshipman Joseph E. Maranto, son of Joyce R. and Samuel J. Maranto of Shrewsbury, a 2013 graduate of Saint John's High School, Shrewsbury; Navy Midshipman Michael S. Hoffman, a 2013 graduate of Saint Mark's High School, Southborough; Navy Midshipman Madison E. Vachris, son of Amy B. and David R. Vachris of Southborough, a 2013 graduate of Saint Mark's High School,Southborough; and Navy Midshipman Matthew C. Walsh, son of Stephanie E. and Michael G. Walsh of Southborough, a 2013 graduate of Saint John's High School, Shrewsbury.
Plebe Summer began on Induction Day, June 27, and concluded after seven challenging weeks of basic midshipman training. 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 challenges leading to graduation and commissioning as a Navy or Marine Corps Officer.
Plebe Summer activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, obstacle, endurance and confidence courses designed to develop physical, mental and team-building skills, as well as 40 training hours devoted to the instruction of infantry drill and formal parades.
Throughout the summer, new midshipmen rapidly gain general knowledge of seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft. Plebes also learn how to use 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles.
In addition, recent Marlborough High School graduate Nicole Katherine Archibald graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training for the United States Air Force Aerospace Medical Service program in Lackland, Texas, Aug. 23.
Nicole is currently at Base Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where she will begin technical training in the Aerospace Medical Service program. Once she has completed the 24-week program, Archibald will be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
As an LPN, Archibald will spend four years working for the Air Force while, at the same time, continuing the education necessary to reach her goal of Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA), working in pediatric oncology.
Following four years of active duty, Archibald will serve four years in the Air Force Reserve.
