This Week's Student Spotlight: Eugene Fallon III

Age: 18
Town: Nanuet
School: Senior at Albertus Magnus

February 2012, will be remembered as the month that shaped this senior's future. That is when Eugene Fallon received his appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.  And not only was he accepted into the Naval Academy but he was also selected into the Air Force Academy. But according to Eugene his heart is with the Navy.

"I have been interested in the military for almost my entire life. I have had a passion to serve my country for a long time. As a junior, I became aware of the military academies and realized it was an excellent educational and leadership opportunity. I decided to apply that summer and I haven't looked back since," said Fallon.

The application process alone is enough to scare off all but the brave at heart. The requirements include a tedious submission process including a physical fitness exam as well as obtaining a congressional nomination.

The physical test included a 1-mile run, pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and a shuttle run. The minimum requirements are not disclosed to the applicant so there is no way to know at the time of the exam if you have met the standards. Most likely Fallon was in top physical shape considering he is a 4-year high school football star.

Fallon played junior varsity his freshman year and varsity for the past three years. He was named Captain during his senior year as well as awarded All-League and All-County Honorable Mention.

"My most memorable football game this year had to be my homecoming game. We played the defending state champions, Bronxville, under the lights with a huge crowd. We lost the hard-fought game, but it was very memorable and I left the field knowing I left my heart on the field."

In addition to the physical exam, he had to obtain a congressional nomination.

"The congressional nomination was a little bit harder to accomplish. I had to first notify the congressman for my district, Eliot Engel. Then I had to send a nomination package which included an essay, letters of recommendation, and my high school transcript.  The next step was to meet the nomination panel for an interview, however his office was really impressed with my package. Therefore, they granted me a nomination to both the Naval and Air Force Academies."

All the work put into the application process was done on top of his course load, football and other activities.

Fallon has made Honor roll all four years of high school.  He has been inducted into the National Honor Society for History and Spanish and has taken AP History and AP Biology classes.

Somehow he has also found time to volunteer. He has completed over 100 hours volunteering for such programs as Buddy Ball basketball, Keep Rockland Beautiful, Camp Vision (a camp for the blind in Spring Valley), and he is an alter server and an assistant for the CYO basketball program at St. Anthony's Church. He has also participated in the Midnight Runs that Albertus organizes. The Midnight Run is a program where students drop off food and clothing to the homeless in NYC during the winter months.

Most seniors plan to hang out with friends, or travel during their last summer months before heading off to college at the end of August.  Fallon will only have about three weeks after graduating Albertus on June 1.

"I will report on June 28th, and hope to major in History or Political Science. I also hope to walk on to either the football or rugby teams."

Integrity. It can't be argued that is Fallon's biggest strength. He was undeterred by the lengthy application process and set his sights on where and what he wanted to do with his future. His commitment, intelligence and athletic ability should translate into an ideal student at Annapolis.

Keep his name on your radar, he is sure to be an up and coming leader sometime in the next decade or two.

Congratulations on your appointment to the Naval Academy. What an impressive accomplishment!