Olivia Ingelfield and Irene Ha Earn Appointments to U.S. Service Academies

By Laynie Kouhsari, student guest writer

Graduating South Lakes High School seniors Olivia Inglefield and Irene Ha will continue their education at prestigious U.S. service academies while pursuing careers in STEM fields.

This fall, Inglefield will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where she plans to study chemical engineering. Although she was accepted to several universities, including the University of Virginia, Georgia Tech, Purdue University and the University of Texas at Austin, she chose West Point for its structured environment and emphasis on both academic and physical rigor. "I always knew I wanted to do some sort of engineering," Inglefield said.

After considering careers in medicine and research, she recently decided to focus on chemical engineering. Inglefield hopes to attend graduate school after West Point, earn a doctorate in chemical engineering and then fulfill her Army service commitment as a chemical engineer.

Ha will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, a goal she has pursued since her sophomore year. After visiting the campus several times, she said she was drawn to its traditions, people and environment.

Ha plans to major in chemistry or data science and minor in a foreign language. She was also accepted to the University of California, San Diego; Virginia Tech Honors College and George Mason University.

"My older sister has always been my inspiration and role model and motivated me to pursue the Naval Academy," Ha said. "She is a true example of a hardworking and resilient person and has inspired me to face challenges with determination and pursue my goals."

Unlike traditional college applications, the service academy admissions process required months of preparation, including interviews, fitness tests, medical examinations, recommendations and congressional nominations. Ha described the process as lengthy and stressful while also completing the International Baccalaureate diploma program.

After graduation, she hopes to serve in the military beyond the required five years, possibly in surface warfare or naval aviation. She also plans to earn a master's degree.

Both students have chosen demanding academic paths while preparing for careers in military service. Their commitment to scholarship, leadership and service will help shape the next chapter of their lives.