JROTC leader Antonio Orama at South Fort Myers headed for Naval Academy

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of Naples Daily News stories on Graduates of Distinction, who are selected by staff at the high school. 

Four hundred and thirty cadets looked to Antonio Orama for leadership and guidance last year.

The South Fort Myers student was the school’s JROTC brigade commander. The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a program meant to prepare students for a military lifestyle and career as they graduate to college and beyond.

And Orama was ready.

More:2018 Graduates of Distinction

When a board of his instructors and peers selected a new commander last year, Orama was the clear choice, said retired Lt. Col. James Spurrier, the program’s leader.

“(Orama) fits the ‘whole person’ concept,’ ” Spurrier said. “He does well academically. He does community service. He’s truly a scholar-athlete, all while being involved in the ROTC program.”

Another selection board noticed Orama: He was admitted to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy. Only about 1,000 of 30,000 to 40,000 applicants are allowed to call themselves “plebes” every year, Spurrier said.

Orama is the first from South Fort Myer’s JROTC program.

“We’re all very proud of him,” Spurrier said. “He has all the qualities that will allow him to succeed.”

Orama knew early in his high school years that he wanted to become a military man. A few aunts and uncles were in branches of the military, and Orama thought it would be the best way to get an education.

“My uncle was a pilot,” Orama said. “Growing up, I didn’t see him much, but I vividly remember him coming back with crazy stories from Australia and all over the world. I looked up to him. That left a big impact on me.”

The thought of a pilot traveling the world never left his mind. Orama’s eyes are now set on joining flight school after graduating from the Naval Academy.

He could have tried for the U.S. Air Force Academy, but Orama liked the options the Navy offers. If becoming a pilot doesn’t suit him, he could transition to surface warfare or a plethora of other open positions.

Orama’s parents, while never directly involved in the military, were supportive of their son’s decision.

“My first thought was, ‘Awesome, that sounds like a great plan,’ ” said Jose Orama, Antonio’s dad. “Most high school teens don’t start thinking about college until the last year of school, and (Antonio) was thinking about it as a freshman.”

Ever since he set his sights on the Naval Academy, Orama’s life has revolved around being selected. He attended events targeted at seniors when he was a sophomore. He ingrained himself in the JROTC program, eventually becoming its leader.

He finished his senior year with five Advanced Placement classes, which could give him college credits, depending on test scores.

All of these skills will be put to the test June 28 when Orama heads to Annapolis, Maryland, to begin “plebe summer” — basic training for the incoming class, Orama said.

“It’s the transition from being a civilian to a midshipman,” he said.

The Naval Academy still acts as a college in many aspects, letting Orama pick cyber-operations as his major.

“It’s a good major to have in today’s society,” he said. “It can make a good transition into the private sector.”

Orama must serve at least five years of active duty, and a full military career is a likely option for a Naval Academy graduate.

But for now, Orama plans to just relax until he leaves next month.

“I’m visiting the beach, visiting some friends, working out — I’ve got to be prepared for when I go over there,” he said. “I’m just going to enjoy the time I have left.”