St. Anselm’s senior heads to Naval Academy with faith, leadership and service in mind
Joseph Watkins, an 18-year-old senior at St. Anselm’s Abbey School in Washington, will graduate this spring and enter the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, following a recent decision to pursue military service. He said he feels both “really excited” and “really nervous” as he prepares for the next chapter in his life.
Known among teachers and peers for his motivation and intellect, Watkins completed 14 Advanced Placement courses and thrived on the academic rigor. “I enjoy being around people who are smarter than I am, because they push me to work harder,” he said.
Outside the classroom, Watkins participated in soccer, basketball and golf. He served as captain of the golf team and held leadership roles in the Inter-House Council, the school’s student government body, and in the Big Brother–Little Brother mentorship program.