2013 Alumnus Visit: Mitchell Jorgensen
Six years after graduating from St. James School, Mitchell Jorgensen returned to share his experiences matriculating at the United States Naval Academy. He presented a fascinating video and answered myriad questions from current junior high students. Mitchell is also a member of the USNA Parachute Team, an all-volunteer team of Midshipmen skydivers.
“I’m really happy that my class and I got to hear that presentation! It was really inspiring. I liked how he said he was prepared because of St. James School.” Zhana Gnewuch
"I thoroughly enjoyed the visit of the U. S. Naval Academy student! I learned that as a freshman, you go to a camp in the summer for six weeks where you get to do a lot of cool things like zip-lining. It would be fun to join the Naval Academy, but very tough." Luke Wichern
"Mitchell's talk about what he did in the Naval Academy was interesting because he showed that even in a hardcore school, you still have fun and make friends." Tobias Scott
"The presentation demonstrated how you have to be a leader to get accepted. He showed the joys of the Naval Academy and how he took advantage of school success to get in." Jacob Scully
"I thought it was cool when we saw the video! I didn't know that there were parachute jumpers in the Navy. I have always kind of wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force or be a parachute jumper." Alyssa Larson
"To get in a good school, [Mitchell recommended] you need to start preparing now. It is okay if you don't get good grades freshman year as long as the next year's grades show great improvement. To get in to a great college, you also need to be a leader. Being in the Naval Academy is really tough." Ben Eithun
One of many highlights of Mitchell’s return was connecting with his former Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Mary Ann Haack. She was thrilled when Mitchell stopped in her current Kindergarten classroom to say hello!
Sofia De La Brena reflected: "I found his presentation and the lengthy application process interesting. He told us about how even if you don't succeed the first time, with hard work and determination you can try again and get accepted into the school of your dreams."
