Isabella (BB) Painter, an 8th-grade graduate from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, attended the prestigious United States Naval Academy Summer STEM Program in Annapolis, Maryland, this summer, earning a place in one of the nation’s most competitive academic enrichment camp programs for rising ninth-11th graders interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Each year, the program receives approximately 5,000 applications from students across the country, with only about 800 students selected to participate; an acceptance rate of just 16 percent. Admission is based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, standardized test scores when applicable and a personal essay demonstrating a strong interest and potential in STEM-related fields.
Painter’s acceptance into the program reflects both her outstanding academic performance and her passion for STEM. During the weeklong residential experience, she joined other high-achieving students from across the nation for an engaging introduction to life at the U.S. Naval Academy.
“BB demonstrated the curiosity, determination and academic excellence that made her an outstanding candidate for this highly competitive program,” says OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn. “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and know this experience will inspire her as she continues to pursue her dreams.”
Motivated by her interest in serving in the military, Painter says she applied to the program because she wanted to experience life at her dream college while exploring the many STEM opportunities the Naval Academy offers. She will be a freshman at John Carroll Catholic High School this fall and hopes to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, become a Navy pilot and one day earn the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels.
