Among the chosen few

Since he was 13, Ryan Joyner has known what direction he wanted to take in life -- he wanted to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

On June 26, he will arrive in Annapolis to begin fulfilling his dream as a member of the 29th Company, P Platoon.

"I always knew I wanted to go into the military," the recent Dexter High School grad says, "and I thought that this would be a good way to attend college and get into the military service."

While still in middle school, Joyner began to do his homework to see exactly what would be required of him if he were to pursue his dream. He would have to rank high academically, and he has, graduating in May as the class salutatorian. He had to have a clean record. He has. There are no black marks against Ryan Joyner.

"So much as a speeding ticket can really ruin your chances," he explains. "You have to really keep your nose clean." He did.

Applying for the academy has been a year-long process. Applicants must be endorsed by a senator or member of Congress. In Joyner's case, Republican Senator Roy Blunt was primarily responsible for making his "appointment," although former Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson also had a hand in the process. On an afternoon in January, while Ryan was at basketball practice, the call came.

"My dad was home and the phone rang," he says. "The caller ID came up as the call coming from the US Government, so he almost didn't take it thinking it might be a solicitation call."

When Stan Joyner did answer, however, he was greeted by Blunt himself, who told the proud father the good news that his son was among 1,200 of 30,000 applicants to make the grade. He was going to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Joyner explains that he'll be a "pleeb" when he arrives in Annapolis and will remain in that capacity throughout his initial first of four years. The name, he explains, derives from the Latin word, "plebeian," meaning, "belonging to the commoners of ancient Rome."

"I'll be the lowest life form for the first year - the poor man," he says with a smile.

"It's going to be a lot like bootcamp when we start until we actually begin classes in late August," he explains. "During that time, we're only allowed three 30-minute phone calls and no email or Internet. We can write letters home, and we can receive mail and care packages. They want you to know what it's like being in a military setting."

When Joyner begins his first year of classes on Aug. 19, it will be in one of several uniforms that will be issued upon his arrival. He's required to take 15 hours per semester -- two classes in the morning and two classes in the afternoon, five days a week. All students are also required to take part in at least one athletic endeavor. Joyner has already been contacted by the academy with an offer to join the rowing team.

"Sophomore year is the toughest," he notes. "You're required to complete 38 credit hours your second year."

Weekends are spent on the base until the school year begins, and then time off base is earned by exhibiting exemplary behavior and academic excellence. Overnight passes are only granted to seniors.

Joyner is no stranger to academic excellence. His GPA as salutatorian was a 4.213, following closely in the footsteps of his sister, Kayla, who served her class as valedictorian in 2009. Older brother, Taylor, ranked third in his class in 2007.

The youngest Joyner intends to earn his degree in mechanical engineering while at Annapolis. His mother, Anita Joyner, is a veteran math instructor at the middle school level in Dexter, giving him a strong background in that area. He will exit the academy in four years as either an ensign in the U.S. Navy or a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marines.

"I'd like to train to be a fighter pilot after that," the ambitious 18-year-old attests. "I'd go to Pensacola for the initial training and then either to Meridian, Miss. or to Corpus Christi, Texas."

Joyner comes from a long line of patriots, and says he has always known he wanted to serve in the armed forces.

"For me, it's about how I am going to make a difference in the world. "

He cites a quote of Ronald Reagan's as one of his favorites - "Some people wonder if they've made a difference in their lives. Soldiers don't have that problem."

To that, Joyner adds, "I just want to live life to the fullest."