Michele Renzi, of Johnston, graduates from U.S. Naval Academy

By RORY SCHULER
Posted 7/2/21

Michele Renzi, daughter of Mark and Donna Renzi of Johnston, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 28.

“Her sixth grade history teacher Mr. Jackson once asked her what she was going …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Michele Renzi, of Johnston, graduates from U.S. Naval Academy

Posted

Michele Renzi, daughter of Mark and Donna Renzi of Johnston, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 28.

“Her sixth grade history teacher Mr. Jackson once asked her what she was going to do serve this country,” Donna Renzi said. “His question actually framed her whole future.”

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-RI, wrote Renzi a letter of recommendation for entrance into the Naval Academy.

She had already graduated with honors from LaSalle Academy in 2017, where she was fortunate enough to be part of their state and national championship cross country and track teams.

Renzi volunteered many hours at Kent County Hospital and St. Robert Bellarmine Church.

Now 22 years old, Renzi will be heading to the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka , Japan, to serve on the USS Higgins this October after completing her training in Virginia and California.

Renzi’s goal is to become a foreign affairs officer with the U.S. Navy and hopefully contribute back something meaningful.

Graduation was held at the Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.

“It was the culmination of a weeks long celebration of parades, drills, awards and gatherings,” said Donna Renzi.

The in-person ceremony was live, and eight guests were allowed to attend, per midshipman.

U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris delivered the commencement address.

“The Blue Angels were able to do their fly over tribute despite the threat of thunderstorms,” said Donna Renzi. “Michele's father and brother affixed Micheles' new shoulder boards after the ceremony and all three of her siblings were there to watch her put on her officers Ensign cap for the first time and then witness her first salute.”

Donna Renzi said it was a “beautiful graduation after the tough time that her class and the rest of the world had endured through COVID-19.”

This year, the Naval Academy graduated 778 men, and 306 women, for a total of 1,084 in the Class of 2021.

Since 1845, approximately 88,900 midshipmen have graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (including the Class of 2021).

Since 1980, more than 6,300 women have graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (including the Class of 2021).

Founded as the Naval School in 1845, the United States Naval Academy today is a four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the naval service.

The Academy is set on 338 acres between the south bank of the Severn River and historic downtown Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here