Cleveland High Senior Colt Maughon accepts appointment to U.S. Naval Academy

From the Chattanoogan: For Colt Maughon, a senior at Cleveland High School, a long-held dream is becoming reality. The standout student and leader has received appointments to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy. After careful consideration, Mr. Maughon has accepted his appointment to the Naval Academy, where he plans to pursue a future as a naval aviator.

Mr. Maughon currently serves as the leading petty officer of the LS2 Randall Smith Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a youth leadership development program sponsored by the U.S. Navy. His journey with the Sea Cadets began with a clear goal in mind.

“My desire to one day attend the United States Naval Academy,” Mr. Maughon said when asked what first sparked his interest in the program. “I wanted to learn and experience things that would help prepare me for serving as an officer in the United States Navy.”

Through the Sea Cadets, Mr. Maughon has developed leadership skills and earned certifications that helped shape his path. Among the accomplishments he is most proud of are being named the Sea Cadet of the Year and earning his SCUBA certification. As leading petty officer, he is responsible for mentoring and guiding cadets ranging in age from 10 to 18.

“Being a leader requires me to teach and lead all types of different people,” he said. “I have to embody our core values of honor, courage and commitment.”

While deeply committed to his military aspirations, Mr. Maughon is also active in athletics and outdoor pursuits. He wrestles for Cleveland High School and enjoys golfing, hunting and spending time on the water - water skiing, riding jet skis and fishing - among his favorite pastimes.

Mr. Maughon said one of the most challenging aspects of his time in Sea Cadets has been watching peers graduate or move away, shrinking the local program’s numbers. He hopes to see the program continue to grow and thrive in the community, welcoming both younger and older cadets.

A homeschool student for much of his upbringing, Mr. Maughon credits his early study of American history with inspiring his desire to serve. He points to leaders such as George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox and John Paul Jones as formative influences.

“The admiration I had for these men inspired me to commit to serving my country as a Naval officer,” he said.

Visits to the Naval Academy solidified that ambition. There, he encountered midshipmen whose discipline, leadership and patriotism reflected the kind of officer he hopes to become. At the Academy, he plans to major in naval architecture and marine engineering while working toward his goal of becoming a naval aviator.

The application and nomination process for the service academies was no small feat. Mr. Maughon described it as “long and rigorous,” especially as he simultaneously applied to three academies. To manage deadlines and requirements, he created a detailed notebook to keep everything organized.

The moment he learned of his acceptance is one he won’t soon forget.

“I was actually at school when I found out and had just done pretty well on an AP Psychology test,” he said. “I was excited about the test and then got an email telling me of my acceptance. I was absolutely thrilled, but had to maintain my composure because I was still in class. It was truly a dream come true for me.”

For younger students considering a similar path, Mr. Maughon offers practical advice: take the hardest academic classes available and excel in them; get involved in activities that build leadership skills; participate in athletics to prepare for the physical fitness test; and, above all, start the application process early and avoid procrastination.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Maughon expressed gratitude and humility.

“I am humbled that I get the honor and privilege of attending the United States Naval Academy and eventually serving our great country in the Navy,” he said. “It truly is a dream come true for me, but a dream that came with a lot of sacrifice and work on my part and my family’s part, as they helped me along the way.”
He also credits the mentors who guided him and his faith for sustaining him throughout the journey.

As graduation approaches, Mr. Maughon stands as an example of dedication, discipline and service - a Cleveland High senior whose dream of serving his country is well on its way to becoming a reality.