With the clock ticking down towards graduation, Kate Berrigan ‘25 is giving it her all to accomplish her dream of attending the United States Naval Academy (USNA).
Berrigan has a 4.3 GPA and is heavily involved with the Hollis Brookline High School (HBHS) community, such as the president of the National Honor Society and Homefront Club, captain of the Girls’ Volleyball team, Student Council representative and the emcee for all school pep rallies. She is a kind, hardworking student who is respected and cared for by everyone at HBHS. Berrigan has a wonderful ability to make friends and make others feel welcome in her presence, with her favorite quality about herself being her effectiveness at communicating.
After taking a wide variety of honors and AP classes, Berrigan has found her favorite subject to be AP U.S. Government & Politics. Additionally, her intelligence extends far beyond her schooling. “I value my understanding of the world around me. Because I have the ability to recognize my surroundings and realize life’s potential, I am able to constantly seize the day!” said Berrigan.
The start of this school year marked Berrigan’s last year of high school, and like most seniors, she began her college applications. Her father is a former Marine Captain, and after visiting the USNA website, she became fascinated with the school’s dedication to leadership. However, the curriculum and commitment to the academy are grueling, so what are Berrigan’s motivations to attend? “I want to serve my country. I know I’m only 17, but I’ve realized that a part of my life’s purpose is helping and serving others. I get fulfillment from working toward the common good, and I wanted to take my actions and roles of leadership to a national scale. The U.S. Naval Academy is a school dedicated to developing the nation’s greatest leaders, and I wanted a chance to seize this opportunity,” said Berrigan. Her words are inspiring, reflecting the true good she wants to bring to this world.
The admissions process for the USNA took Berrigan almost five months to complete, becoming her main focus as she balanced school, varsity volleyball and her social life. It was a tedious and demanding task that required her to go through various interviews with members of Congress, eventually being selected by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Representative Annie Kuster and Senator Maggie Hassan as a USNA applicant nominee.
Additionally, Berrigan completed an intricate, essay-based application and a Candidate Fitness Assessment to further advance herself as a qualified candidate. She committed herself to follow a strict workout routine that would build her physique to meet the USNA standards, lifting weights and running five to six times a week on top of her other commitments. “The application process is a mental strain, and it was a challenge to stay on top of during my senior season of volleyball. Not to mention, I was also filling out other college applications. However, I knew that I wanted to put my all into this application, and I really did try my hardest,” said Berrigan.
At the Academy, Berrigan hopes to learn a lot from the experience. “I hope to gain a stronger sense of who I am and how I can best serve others. I’m excited about the chance to be challenged—not just academically or physically, but in ways that push me to grow as a leader and as a person. I want to develop the kind of confidence and resilience that comes from working through adversity alongside peers who share the same commitment to integrity and service,” she said.
After graduating from the Academy, Berrigan will serve five years as an officer in the Navy and is interested in later pursuing a career in policy-making and government. She is an extremely hard worker, who has a built-in sense of purpose and determination that will lead her to do wonderful things in the future. She will do whatever is needed of her to better our country, help others and truly make a difference. “I believe that I can make a real, good change, and I want to help as many people as I can,” she added.
On Jan. 27, 2025, Berrigan received her decision from the USNA: she got in! All of her accomplishments and work leading up to this moment are something to be greatly proud of. “Honestly, I felt immense relief when I got my acceptance letter,” she said. “It was a recognition that my hard work over the past four years has paid off. Go Navy!”
Hopefully, Berrigan understands that the people around her during this time feel nothing but confidence, love and support for her future, knowing just how special she is in this world. “I-Day (Induction Day) is June 26th. Even though my summer will be cut short, I can’t wait to start this new chapter in my life. I’m excited for the adventure to come,” said Berrigan.
We wish Kate nothing but the best on her journey this summer and beyond!
