For the first time in school history, Bethel Park High School is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: four members of the Class of 2025 have received appointments to United States service academies — three to the U.S. Naval Academy and one to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point — a rare and remarkable achievement for any high school in the nation.
Seniors Rocco Capozzoli, Brady McKiernan, and Clancy Orie will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., while Aaron Hofbauer will attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. This achievement underscores the academic rigor, leadership development, and civic commitment fostered at Bethel Park, and the community is rallying around these future military leaders as they prepare to embark on their journeys.
Orie, a standout football player for the Black Hawks with offers from Navy, Air Force, Harvard, and Miami, Ohio, among others, chose the Naval Academy for its balance of top-tier football and world-class academics. Inspired by conversations with his cousins, who have served before him, and a desire to serve a greater purpose, Orie plans to major in economics and report on June 26 for Induction Day. “This is about more than just football — it’s about forming a brotherhood and challenging myself,” Orie said. “My parents have been supportive, even though it’s a little scary for them.”
McKiernan, a decorated swimmer and talented musician, found out about his appointment at the PIAA state swimming championships. “I opened the email, saw ‘USNA Admission Decision,’ and just started shouting,” McKiernan recalled. Nominated by U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee, McKiernan credited his work ethic to his coaches and family. He plans to study aerospace engineering while continuing music and possibly playing a club sport. “My coaches fueled my fire, especially during those early morning lifts,” he said. “They helped shape who I am.”
Capozzoli was the first of the four to secure his spot, largely thanks to a pivotal moment during an in-person visit to the Naval Academy in October. While on campus, he received a Letter of Assurance directly from admissions — a rare early signal of acceptance that he described as a monumental moment in his academic journey. That was followed by a nomination from former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and his official appointment in December. Capozzoli, a swimmer and Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor, plans to study nuclear engineering. He said the Naval Academy had been his top choice since junior year. “Once I saw the campus and felt the culture, I knew I had to be there,” he said. “It’s the perfect fit for me — combining physical challenge with academic rigor.” He’s especially excited to share the journey with McKiernan, a close friend since childhood.
Rounding out the historic quartet is Hofbauer, who fulfilled a dream rooted in childhood and inspired by his grandfather, a Marine. From middle school, Hofbauer envisioned attending West Point, and now that vision is becoming a reality. “There’s no greater place to apply the values my parents instilled in me,” Hofbauer said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this group of young men who will serve our country.” He plans to continue serving in the military after completing the academy.
All four seniors expressed deep gratitude for their families, teachers, and mentors—including their nominators, coaches, and congressional representatives—and acknowledged their families' sacrifices to help them reach this point. Each will report to their respective academies in June to begin basic training and the next chapter of their lives.
“This is a significant personal achievement for these young men," said Principal Joseph Villani. "It not only highlights their character, determination, and accomplishments, but also reflects our community’s core values—service, excellence, and leadership. We couldn’t be prouder of them."
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