Eastview Grad Headed for the U.S. Naval Academy

One Apple Valley girl will soon be departing for the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Emily Kilen, a 2013 graduate of Eastview High School, was recently appointed to the prestigious academy. She was nominated for the appointment by Al Franken (D-MN) in early 2013. Wednesday, he sent out a congratulatory statement. 

“I am very pleased that someone with Emily's talent and drive will be attending the Naval Academy this summer," said Sen. Franken.  "Each year, I nominate many impressive young people to our nation's military academies, and Emily was one of the few chosen for an appointment because of her hard work, character, and achievements."

Kilen, the daughter of Mike and Paivahn Kilen, was both an athlete and a scholar at her alma mater, where she was a varsity simmer, a member of the National Honor Society, and a representative of the Student Council. In her spare time, she also volunteered with the Yellow Ribbon Network, Fairview Hospital, and the Minnesota Zoo.

Kilen was one of just four students nominated by Franken to serve at the nation's four U.S. Service academies.