Senior William Degenhart, Jr. received direct appointments to three service academies: the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Naval Academy. He has accepted the appointment to the Air Force Academy, which provides nearly $250,000 in tuition, room and board, and a monthly stipend over four years. At the Academy, Degenhart hopes to become a pilot and major in military and strategic studies.

Degenhart has demonstrated commitment and leadership in both academic and co‑curricular pursuits at Jesuit. He has been inducted into the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. As a Blue Jay, he serves as battalion commander of MCJROTC and is an active member of the Color Guard, drill team, rifle team, Mu Alpha Theta, Sportsman’s Club, and Poker Club. He was also a member of the rugby team.

“I first encountered the service academies at a sophomore Service Academy Day in Baton Rouge, though I’ve admired the military since childhood.” – William Degenhart

Beyond his contributions on campus, Degenhart has volunteered at the St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter, served with the Courts for Kids Guatemala service project, assisted the First Baptist Church of Luling youth group. Degenhart is also a member of Boy Scout Troop 317, through which he attained Eagle Scout rank and earned 36 merit badges.

Degenhart is an alumnus of J.B. Martin Middle School and the son of Karen and William Degehart, Sr.

Above all, Jesuit relentlessly pursues God’s greater glory. While students’ academic accolades reflect the school’s mission, they are not the mission itself. They instead signify that Blue Jays are becoming the men that they were made to be: men of faith and men for others.

Alongside celebrating students who attain these academic accomplishments, Jesuit also highlights graduating seniors who are named winners of highly selective merit-based national scholarship competitions. Click here to read about more of these students.