Bridgewater-Raynham senior receives Naval Academy nomination

BRIDGEWATER – Not long ago, Zach Fries looked into the eyes of a congressman and talked about his dream of attending the United States Naval Academy.

Now, Fries, 18, just needs to find a way to tell his friends.

The humble Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School senior received a recommendation for appointment to the United States Naval Academy from Congressman Stephen Lynch last week — which his mother said will be news to his friends.

“Zach is so humble,” Sharon Fries said. “Maybe two of his friends are aware of this.”

Appointments are expected to be announced anytime between now and April. Since August, Fries has been undergone medical testing, physical fitness examinations and a rigorous application process that included interviewing with Lynch.

“There were many impressive candidates this year for the United States Naval Academy. Zachary stood out as a young man of keen intelligence and strong character,” Lynch said in a statement. “He is a wonderful reflection of his parents. The Fries family, the Town of Bridgewater and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts should be proud of Zachary in this achievement.”

Fries, who has a 4.2 grade GPA and plays lacrosse and golf at B-R, expressed a desire to follow in his grandfathers’ footsteps. Both were in the Navy.

“I’m excited for my son to make this commitment,” said his father, Bob. “It’s more than just going away to college - this is a commitment and a lifestyle change.”

The Naval Academy typically appoints fewer than 10% of as many as 20,000 applicants. Fries will find out if he’s one of the 1,400 or so before April.

“It was an honor that Congressman Lynch considered me to be one of the top kids that he considered,” said Fries. “The Naval Academy is the highest level you can go in the military and it’s a great opportunity.”

Fries’ fallback options include Norwich University in Vermont and the University of South Carolina, where he would plan to study engineering, join ROTC and become a Marine post-graduation.

If Fries gets in to the Naval Academy, he said his ultimate goal is to become a helicopter pilot — which suits his mother, Sharon, just fine.

“I prefer him being a pilot to the guy jumping out of the plane,” Sharon said. “He’s an adrenaline junkie, so I’m fine with having him behind the wheel.”

Fries’ parents said they were impressed by Lynch and his Chief of Staff, Bob Fowkes, for their in-depth examination and extensive review process of more than 40 candidates.

“Zachary was highly recommended by his teachers at Bridgewater-Raynham High School,” Lynch said in a statement. “He is a remarkable young man and we are fortunate that young people like Zachary are willing to serve our nation.”