(Reporter’s Note: Comments submitted by Adam Nygaard for this article are not intended to be taken as a reflection of the military, the Navy, or the Naval Academy.)

Adam Nygaard is a 2018 Big Lake graduate who has recently graduated from the Naval Academy. 

Nygaard first became interested in the military because his father (Dan Nygaard) served in the Navy before him. His interest was stoked further when he participated in a summer program offered to high school seniors.

Nygaard said his time at the academy was great.

“It was challenging, and there were some awesome people there,” he said. 

Nygaard was able to earn his four year degree to become a military officer. In addition, he participated in summer trainings, including one where he got to experience being in a submarine. He also had the opportunity to lead a boy scout canoeing camp in Eli. 

During Nygaard’s graduation, President Joe Biden attended to personally shake the hands of each of the 1,100 graduates, which Nygaard recounts as a surreal experience. 

“I peaked out of line,” he said, reflecting on that day, “And thought, ‘Holy cow, that’s the president!’”

Nygaard said the president delivered an inspiring speech and even cracked a few jokes. 

Nygaard will continue to assist at the academy until October. Then, he is headed down to Pensacola, FL, for two years of flight school. Nygaard says he’s very excited for flight school, and he hopes he will someday be assigned to fly military jets, although getting in the air at all will be an honor. 

Nygaard said that his time at Big Lake Schools helped to set him up for success, and he was encouraged by coaches, teachers, and guidance counselors as he made his decision to join the Navy. They all helped him in doing the work needed to get in to the academy, as well as helping him do well in his high school classes, for which he expressed his gratitude. 

Nygaard would recommend those interested to look into attending the Naval Academy.

“I absolutely recommend it if you have a desire to serve your country, challenge yourself, and earn your four year degree,” Nygaard said.