HHS Senior’s Dream to Join the Navy Becomes a Reality

March 12, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer

Hingham High School Senior Reed Schilb’s longtime dream was realized last Friday with his official acceptance into the United States Naval Academy.

“I’m very excited,” he told the Hingham Anchor. “I’ve always known I wanted to do something in the military, but it was when I reached middle school that it occurred to me that I would like to apply to the Naval Academy.“

In a Tweet posted Tuesday, Principal Rick Swanson said, “Our entire community can (and SHOULD) take pride in this outstanding achievement!”

Why the Navy in particular? “I liked the idea of exploring the world and serving my country at the same time,” Reed said.

After achieving an engineering degree at the Naval Academy in Annapolis,  Maryland, in 2023, Reed will become a commissioned officer in either the Navy or the Marines -- which is part of the Navy.

Reed gave up hockey to join the HHS rowing team in preparation for participating in rowing at the Naval Academy, which is a varsity sport there.  He is one of the three HHS rowing team captains.

Reed enjoys participating in rowing. "There's a real sense of community, and rowers often end up in military careers because they both involve hard work and a real sense of commitment," he said.

On March 8 Reed received a letter of appointment, which represents an official acceptance into the military.  Earlier he had received a letter of assurance, which means appointment is contingent on being medically-qualified, maintaining good grades, and receiving a Congressional nomination -- in this case, by Sen. Edward Markey.

"I'm totally proud of Reed," said his father, TR Schilb. "He did this on his own and has made a lot of sacrifices."

Reed's mother, Sherry, said she's excited for Reed. "He has had his eye on this goal for quite awhile and has worked very hard for the past three years," she said.  "I'm proud of all his accomplishments."