With a 4.0 GPA and the leadership skills honed from being the Commanding Officer of the Naval JRTC Program at Union County High School, Kailei Beeler has been appointed to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Kailei will be educated to become an officer in the US Navy or the US Marine Corp. Graduating third in her class, she not only is an excellent student but she is also a scholar athlete. Kailei is a member of the BETA Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has excelled in basketball, softball, golf, cross country, and track.

Dennis Powers, Tennessee Representative for the 36th District, honored Kailei with Resolution No. 166 to recognize “one of Tennessee's most noteworthy young people on this milestone occasion” and that “the House of Representatives of the One Hundred and Fourteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee... upon her appointment to the United States Naval Academy, is extending our best wishes for her future success. The Resolution was adopted on March 9, 2026.

On behalf of Union County Public Schools, Dr. Lauren Effler honored her with the inaugural “Lead the Way Award” in recognition of her outstanding achievement at UCHS and her appointment to the US Naval Academy.

Kailei is the daughter of Chelsea Washam and Mike Beeler and the granddaughter of Terry and Karen Washam and has been supported in her efforts by her whole family but especially Aunt Jessica.