Daegu MHS student accepted to U.S. Naval Academy

KOREA — March 1, 2022 — Daegu Middle High School senior Leah Bridget Victoria Merchant has been accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Leah is the daughter of Phillip and Hanna Merchant. She is actively involved in Daegu Middle High School’s JROTC program, serving as Cadet Commander and on the Marksmanship team. She also serves as Student Council Vice President, National Honor Society Treasurer, and is a member of the school’s volleyball and softball teams.

Leah’s career aspiration is to become an astronaut. “Being a DoDEA student has broadened my horizons,” Leah said. “Attending a small school like Daegu provided me the opportunity to participate in a variety of leadership and athletic activities.”

Daegu Middle High School Principal Altorn Grade describes Leah as extremely focused and hard-working.

“The first day I met her she told me she wanted to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and one day become an astronaut,” Grade said. “Leah has achieved her first goal and the vastness of space may truly be her ceiling. The Daegu Middle High School Family is excited for Ms. Merchant and for what the Class of 2022 has done and will do in the future. Go Warriors!”