The United States Naval Academy is a highly selective and honorable institution that produces the most academically rigorous scholars, equipping them with remarkable leadership skill sets. Setting them apart due to their mentorship and resiliency, they hold impact in the world around them. 

In particular, of the graduating class of 2024, moving into commission as a Marine Corps officer, standing out is Naval Academy Midshipman and proud former student of North Hollywood High School, Kevin Tanaka. 

Welcomed with open arms, Tanaka provided a thorough representation of the process of applying as a candidate for the USNA and the plethora of rare opportunities provided at the academy.

Speaking on his experiences, Tanaka shared that, “When I came to NHHS, I had a lot of mentors; a lot of teachers who helped me challenge myself.”  

There was no one teacher who had more of an impact than the other Tanaka expresses, “It would be a disservice to everyone who’s helped me out. I mean, I remember so many people: Ms. Conde, Mr. Hill, Mr. Bradbury, Mr. McCollaum. All of my teachers I could remember have all been very influential in my life.” 

Thus, from the very young age of 12, Tanaka made it his goal to become a Marine. In this, he’s dedicated his life to the USNA, enduring physical discomfort, long days, and many restrictions. 

He expands, “ [There were] many, many obstacles. Everyday in itself was an obstacle. As a plebe —  a freshman, everyday was hard.”

But even then, when Tanaka describes his experience as an “in-training” Marine Corps officer, he says to sum it up in one word, “Rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, it’s challenging days — long days — hard work, but at the end of the day when you go to bed, you realize how fruitful your day was.”

Within those fruitful days, visiting NHHS being one of them, Tanaka shares that when attending the Naval Academy, one receives a high caliber education that sets you apart from others attending regular four-year universities. 

He admits that, “The Naval Academy is a leadership laboratory. Our sole purpose is to create naval leaders [into] U.S. Navy Marine Corps officers.” 

He says, “So, there’s a lot of opportunities to lead [at the Naval Academy] and that’s [somet

hing] I don’t think a lot of other places do as well.”

As mentioned in his presentation, there are multiple rounds of intense training each year. One begins with base training, which is essentially bootcamp. One learns leadership, as well as professionalism. 

In one’s plebe year, one trains every single day, and once you pass training, you move into third class year — sophomore year. 

Tanaka carries with pride that in this year, you take advantage of the mentorship opportunities. 

He declares, “Leading is hard and having the opportunity to experiment with your leadership — that’s one of the best things that the Naval Academy could offer you.” 

Tanaka prides himself in that he was blessed with opportunities to, “ See them [midshipmen] lead other people; that’s

when you know you’ve done a good job and it’s very rewarding.”

Most notably, Tanaka informs that in your first year, you lead the brigade and receive your service assignment and decide on what it is you will be responsible for as a Marine Corps officer. In Tanaka’s case, he decided to lead as a surface warfare officer.

Of course, due to its versatility, the USNA provides 26 majors with numerous internship and athletic programs. If graduating from the academy, on one’s diploma it will read, graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree, as the academy is recognized as a STEM school. 

Overall, as an honorable former Husky, Tanaka emphasizes, “My biggest achievements have been the achievements of others.” 

From serving as an intern as deputy under the Secretary of the Navy, to volunteering in the Naval Operation Information program to spread the word of the USNA, Tanaka reflects that the “Naval Academy made me mature faster and realize the world is a lot more nuanced and complicated. [It gave me] the ability to see my weaknesses and strengths.”

In final commentary, Tanaka unabashedly directs into the microphone, “Mentoring, leading people; that’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever done.”