Brandon Fiordelisi on a Mission
Brandon Fiordelisi is on a mission. The Huntington High School junior's goal is simple: He wants to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. That's the easy part. Gaining a congressional nomination and getting accepted into one of the most prestigious colleges in the world takes a lot of hard work.
The teenager is on the right path and well on his way to making his dream come true. Mr. Fiordelisi has been accepted into the Naval Academy's summer seminar program, an important step on the road to gaining a coveted appointment.
The 16-year old sports a 3.9 grade point average and has built a stellar academic record. He's been taking Advanced Placement and honors courses, including the Harvard pre-calculus math course at Huntington High School, participated in the Science Olympiad and National History Day and has a perfect attendance record over the past three years.
"Brandon is in the process of becoming a great leader and person in our society," said Huntington coach Ron Wilson, who is a high school dean of students. "Brandon is one that thoroughly prepares himself to meet and exceed the challenges that life offers. He's the kid that is always striving to please his coaches."
The Naval Academy's summer program teaches prospective applicants about life at Annapolis, "where academics, athletics and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's leaders," according to a program description. Students attend a six-day session and get a taste of a midshipman's life. They eat in the dining hall, attend academic and leadership workshops and participate in daily physical training, including group runs and conditioning exercises.
At Huntington High School, Mr. Fiordelisi has been on the football, track and field and lacrosse teams. "He works very hard on the field and on the track," Mr. Wilson said. "He's new to track and has already sought me out for extra help in learning how to throw the shot put and discus. He's that 'blue collar' worker that is always going to give you 100 percent."
The junior is a team leader with the Young Leaders Foundation, helping underprivileged children and families, is an elected member of the Tri-Community and Youth Agency's board of directors and is a Tri-CYA tutor, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, pitched in to help at last fall's Mick Luckow Foundation basketball tournament, received a proclamation from U.S. Representative Steve Israel in recognition of his community service and has been selected for the American Legion's prestigious Boys' State program.
"I'm proud of him and his accomplishments thus far," Mr. Wilson said. "He's from good stock and I know he is one who will contribute greatly to society in the near future. I'm glad that I've been given the opportunity to work with such a gifted and talented young man."
The son of Richard and Elizabeth Fiordelisi, the teenager will have his hands full on the Annapolis campus this summer. He'll attend eight 90-minute workshops covering subjects ranging from information technology, naval architecture and mechanical engineering to oceanography, math, history and meteorology. There will also be seamanship and navigation classes and a cruise aboard a Navy Yard Patrol to provide participants an opportunity to apply what they have learned in class.
There's no question that Mr. Fiordelisi is a very competitive young man. He takes everything he does to the limit. "I have been involved with an intense one-on-one training program for the past three years," he said. "My trainer is an established ex-college athlete who specializes in both mental and physical strengthening. These sessions are meant to simulate college level training. They are designed to push me to extremes and ready myself for the next level."
While he's all about improving himself, Mr. Fiordelisi also sets aside time to help others through a host of volunteer activities, such as the Young Leaders Foundation, Tri-CYA and the Police Athletic League's summer football camp. "I have grown passionate about helping underprivileged kids achieve certain goals," he said.
As he continues down the path he has set out on, Mr. Fiordelisi is more determined than ever. "I will not slow down until the mission is complete," he said.