Academy seniors plan to continue leadership roles in army, navy

WATCHUNG — Elizabeth Roper, director of College Counseling at Mount Saint Mary Academy, recently announced that seniors Mary Claire Scheck of Metuchen and Renee Vozza of Westfield were appointed to United States service academies.

In early December, Scheck received her Certificate of Appointment to the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Later in December, Vozza received her Letter of Appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. Outside of the Mount, Scheck is a Girl Scout.

Vozza is President of the Student Council Executive Board; co-president of Spanish Club, a member of the Peer Ministry Leadership team. She is also a volunteer at the Jardine Academy (a school for children with multiple disabilities, Cranford)) throughout the year.

Scheck hopes to become an Army officer and do scientific research. She wants to major in life science in college.

“I am so honored to have received an appointment to the United States Military Academy, as well as an ROTC [Officer Training Scholarship,” stated Scheck. “I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the entire Mount community, especially [Mercy] Sister Lisa Gambacorto, [directress], the administration, and all of my teachers for their support and kindness.”

Vozza, when asked about why she was drawn to the USNA program, said, “I can think of no better place to lead and serve than the Naval Academy. Combining this opportunity with my desire to pursue a STEM-focused (science, technology, engineering, math) degree and wanting a career in the Navy, USNA is the best place to achieve both.” Her long-term goal is to become an engineer.

“In addition to bringing a new perspective as a female leader, I also bring a gentler approach as someone who is kind and compassionate,” added Vozza. “An effective officer needs to be able to show empathy and care for the people they are leading. I have developed these skills through the Mercy Core Values of the Sisters of Mercy.

“Mount Saint Mary Academy provided all the opportunities to strengthen skills necessary for success — like hard work, self-discipline, and good study habits. The sense of community and support the Mount has given me is exemplary, and I know this will be with me always,” she concluded.