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Miles appointed to U.S. Naval Academy
Throughout his 17 years, Wilson Coleman Miles III has tried to push himself — in academics, scouts, sports and fitness training.
"It's all mental," he said Friday. "Once you realize that fact and that you can do 'stuff,' it's amazing what you can accomplish."
Wilson has added to an already-lengthy resume by earning an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., announced the appointment Thursday.
After visiting all four military academies last summer, Wilson confirmed a childhood goal of attending the Naval Academy, although he also received an appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
The son of Coleman Jr. and Cam Miles of Aiken, Wilson in a way was attending school long before he started school. He and his older sister Camille, 19, were home-schooled by their parents. Wilson as a toddler would hang out while his mother began lessons with his sister.
By the time he was five or so, "Going to school in my pajamas was the most fun," he said with a smile.In 2003, Wilson started taking classes at USC Aiken and has accumulated 30 credit hours. Wilson earned his Eagle Scout award at 13 and remains active with Troop 110 at First Presbyterian Church. He is an avid baseball player and longtime Fermata Club swimmer. While his sister Camille is a much-recognized pianist now studying music performance at Converse College, Wilson also won several piano awards at festivals and other competitions.
Coleman Miles, a chemical engineer at the Savannah River Site, helped Wilson and his sister with math and science as they got older, while Cam Miles coordinated their daily instruction. They often took field trips to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center and the Savannah River Ecology Lab.
Coleman Miles said his son has always had a purpose in mind, and started talking about the Naval Academy at age nine or 10.
"He's always had a purpose in mind," said Miles. "He has known what he wanted and worked to get there.
He looked to find out what it took to make the grade and went for it."
As he prepares to enter the academy in late June, Wilson is working to remain in top shape to get through the tough first year. He has talked with midship
man Ryan Nickell of Aiken, who spoke highly of the professional opportunities he has experienced thus far.
Wilson is considering a career as a systems engineer, but after finishing his undergraduate work, he hopes to train as a Navy Seal while fulfilling his military obligation. He acknowledges that he and others his age face an uncertain future.
"But if I have to go into a war-type situation, it's something I'm willing to do," said Wilson. "You don't want to get a bunch of training and never use it. It's about helping save lives. That's the whole point."
Published in the Aiken Standard, March 2005
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"If it is to be, it is up to me."
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13