Kailei Beeler has made history by being the first person from Maynardville to be appointed to the Naval Academy. The Naval Academy is a four-year program that trains officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Being appointed to such an elite school is a grand achievement. Kailei has been a dedicated member of the JROTC for all four years of high school. She is also a star athlete for the basketball, cross country, golf, and track teams. When asked how she feels about being appointed, Kailei said she felt “Blessed.” When asked to share tips for anyone who has the same goal as Kailei, she said: “Never think a percentage can determine your way in; you have to make your own way, and never count on luck.” Union County will truly miss her as she travels to Annapolis, Maryland, this fall.