Friend Inspires SPHS Grad’s Pursuit of Naval Academy

Severna Park High School graduate Sierra Knoch will be inducted into the Naval Academy on Thursday and will pursue a career as a Navy pilot—a mission inspired entirely by a friend.

Growing up, Knoch traveled a lot. She didn’t move to Severna Park until 2007, and she wasn’t even entirely sure what the Naval Academy was. That was until fellow Severna Park grad Sam Pershall introduced the idea.

“I didn’t know really know anything about it until Sam brought it up to me in January of my junior year,” Knoch said. “I wasn’t really sure because I didn’t have any military background or know anything about it. So I applied for summer seminar and said if it went well, I would think about it.”

After attending the summer seminar Knoch knew the Naval Academy was the perfect place for her.

“I remember they asked me what the hardest part of summer seminar was and I said leaving, because even after a week we pretty much became a family,” Knoch said.

On Thursday, both Knoch and Pershall will be inducted to the Naval Academy. But much like it was Pershall who first brought up the academy, he was also the first to find out he was accepted.

“Sam got his letter first, and I have always looked up to him... but then the next week I got my letter, and I just couldn’t believe it worked out that way,” Knoch said.

While Pershall and Knoch’s reasons for joining the Naval Academy vary; they are both passionate about the time they will spend serving their country afterwards. The pair both hope to become pilots and spend their future working in the Navy.

“I don’t see it as much of an obligation,” Knoch said. “I see it more of a privilege because what it means to everyone else.”

To read more on Sam Pershall and what inspired him to attend the Naval Academy, click here.