WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has proudly announced the Fully Qualified Appointment of State College Area High School senior, Cathryn M. DeLong, of Port Matilda to the U.S. Naval Academy. Cathryn, the daughter of Jim and Melissa DeLong, will join the academy as a member of the Class of 2016. The appointment came at the recommendation of Thompson.
“Cathryn has proven herself as a leader and is dedicated to excellence, and I know that she will make us all proud as a naval officer,” said Thompson. “She has a tremendously impressive background and I am proud to have recommended her to one of our nation’s finest educational institutions.”
At State College Area High School, DeLong excelled in Advanced Placement coursework earning a cumulative grade point average of 4.5 and ranking 43rd out of 507 students. DeLong also put her academic abilities to test outside of the classroom participating in the National Ocean Science Bowl, which is a forum for talented students to test their knowledge of the marine sciences. During 2011, DeLong’s team won 1st place in regional competition and placed 7th nationally.
Throughout high school, DeLong balanced her academic work with countless other commitments including Student Government, varsity lacrosse, varsity cross country, orchestra, band, and community service. DeLong was also an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, where she achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, commanded her squadron’s Drill Team, and received the Outstanding Cadet Award in state competition.
“Cathryn’s many achievements and community involvement, coupled with an excellent academic record, make her truly deserving of this opportunity,” Thompson added. “The U.S. Naval Academy will benefit greatly from Cathryn’s leadership abilities and intellectual curiosity, and we wish her well in this endeavor.”
Cathryn’s paternal grandparents are Jim DeLong and the late Margaret Van Horn of State College, and maternal parents are Jim and Faye Shaw of Lansdale.