Submitted photo ... Michael John Daley was a four-year letter winner in soccer at Poland Seminary High School, achieving All State in his senior year, was a three-year letter winner in baseball and two-year letter winner in basketball. He has been inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy.

POLAND — On June 26, Michael John Daley, son of Mike and Megan Daley, was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2029.

He is now serving in Annapolis, Maryland, during “Plebe Summer” for incoming freshmen to the academy. His induction marked the start of a challenging six weeks of basic midshipman training as part of 1,200 candidates.

All candidates have no access to television, movies, the internet, or music, and have restricted access to cellphones. They are permitted only two calls during the six weeks of training.

According to information provided by the Naval Academy, the pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help plebes prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the coming four years there. They will gain skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft.

They also will learn infantry drills and how to shoot 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles. Other training involves swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, obstacles, endurance and confidence- building courses.

The physical part of the academy should be no problem for Daley. At Poland, he was a four-year letter winner in soccer (All State senior year), three-year letter winner in baseball and two-year letter winner in basketball. He was also the NE8 Conference Player of the Year during his junior and senior year for soccer.

On the academic side, Daley served as senior class president and was one of six valedictorians.

His father, Mike Daley, was able to speak for his son and said, “Michael always told us that he felt a calling to serve more than himself. He has always been naturally patriotic and has a strong faith in God that will serve him well during his service. Although he never stated this directly, Megan and I believe that he was always very aware of a growing tradition for Poland Seminary High School.”

Mike said just in the past five years, Poland has had three other alumni attend the Naval Academy: Ava Izenhour (2020), Brody Todd (2021) and Logan Flament (2023).

“All three have been great mentors to Michael along the application and interview processes,” Mike said. “Just in my time at PSHS, I know that we also had Sean Murphy (2010) and Jacob Amon (2012) but there may be more I am not aware of.”

As for the Daley family, Michael John’s great-grandfather served in the Navy as a firefighter on the USS Curtiss during World War II. He also had a great-grandfather serve in the Army in Germany during the war.

After the academy, Daley’s future is up in the air and actually is what Plebe Summer is all about.

“Plebes (first year students) at USNA do not declare a major or apply for commission,” Mike said. “These processes take place in later years after students are exposed to all of the fields the Navy offers, but Michael is currently interested in aerospace engineering with a minor in Spanish.”

Mike said his son will carry with him a lot of good memories from his years at PSHS.

“I know he would agree that Poland offered him a well-rounded experience, continuing the tradition of excellence in academics, leadership and athletics,” Mike said. “He could not have asked for a better support system from the teachers, coaches and staff, along with his peers and their families. He is very proud to be a Poland Bulldog.”

Mike and Megan are just as proud of their son and his path in life.

“He is a loving son, brother, grandson and cousin,” Mike said. “He is strong in his faith. Michael is also an excellent friend and mentor to younger students. Megan and I are proud of his selflessness and willingness to challenge himself.”

Michael’s nomination to the academy came from U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem.