River Ridge Student Nominated To Attend U.S. Naval Academy

River Ridge High School senior Christopher Taylor has been nominated by Congressman Phil Gingrey to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

Christopher seeks to major in political science and linguistics at the Academy and to earn a commission as a second lieutenant is the U.S. Marine Corps. He comes from a family with a long line of military service since World War I including his father, who is an enlisted veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

While the final decision rests with the U.S. Naval Academy, Gingrey wrote in his nomination letter that Christopher “should be very proud of your record of success and continue to work hard towards achieving your goal.”

“Your willingness to serve our great country as a future officer during these trying times in our country is highly commendable,” Gingrey later states in his letter.

Christopher has served in the Air Force JROTC at River Ridge during his high school tenure, earning a rank of cadet first lieutenant and acting as Sabre Team commander in 2012. His JROTC honors have included the Air Force Association Award, American Legion JROTC Scholastic Achievement Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Defense Committee ROTC Medal and Air Force JROTC Outstanding Academic, Activities, Cadet, Dress and Appearance, Flight, Good Conduct, Health and Wellness, Leadership, Longevity, Orienteering, Sabre Team and Service Ribbons.

Christopher earned a varsity letter in cross-country and an academic letter and has participated in track and field, tae kwon do, National Honor Society, History Club, Debate Club, Concert Band and the Sequoyah Regional Library Teen Advisory Board.

Other honors he has achieved include the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Superintendent Key Scholar Award, Georgia Humanities National History Day Silver Medal, River Ridge High School Torch of Knowledge and River Ridge High School Coaches Award.

He also is an active community volunteer, serving with Hope Church, World Harvest Church and holiday charity programs.

“We are very proud of him, and his achievement brings great credit to himself, his family and the Cherokee County School District,” said his parents, Michael and Catherine Taylor.

Photo credit: Michael and Catherine Taylor