Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 9

SERVICE
Robert '14 and Abby '16 Runnells serve their country and community
A
s students get ready to graduate from high
school, they are often asked again and again
about their plans for the future and about
their life after Thornton Academy. Acceptance in a
service academy is an honor. Highly selective, based
on leadership. scholarship and a desire to serve,
Robert Runnells '14 and Abby Runnells '16 receivied
their diplomas at Hill Stadium and marched off to the
United States Naval Academy.
"This (the USNA) was the only school that I really
wanted to go to," Rob said reflecting on his senior year
at Thornton. "I learned about the school from Mark
Reaser '09 and his commitment to go to the Academy."
Abby, two years younger than her brother, watched
as he completed the rigorous application process and
sought a nomination from Senator Collins. She was
determined to follow her own path, but at the same
time, she couldn't help but be impressed by Rob's
commitment, by his innate understanding that he was
doing something honorable and worthwhile.
"For the longest time I thought I wanted to go to
UPenn, but then during the summer between my
junior and senior year at Thornton, I went to the Naval
Academy and West Point for a week-long program and
I actually decided that I wanted to go to West Point."
It was Abby's mother, Liz, who convinced her to wait
until she heard from Annapolis before she made a final
decision.
"I got the letter from the Navy on the day of the
Army-Navy football game," she said. "I saw all of the
opportunities for me at Navy and there always seemed
to be more."
Not surprisingly, both students have excelled while at
the Naval Academy, but each in their own way.
Robert will graduate in May 2018 and will be
commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
From there, he will continue on and train for a specific
role with the service and become a platoon leader.
Abby hopes that after graduation, she will become a
doctor in the Navy. Regardless of the differing paths
that lie in front of them, they often think about their
shared past at Thornton Academy and the lessons they
learned.
"I remember working at Thornton to help those in
our community," Abby said. "I think that's one of the
reasons why I want to serve the people that serve
our country. I want to do something for those who
volunteered to do something for us."
Thornton Academy is proud of Robert, Abby and all
other alumni who have chosen to serve our country.
Story by David Arenstam · Photos Courtesy of Runnells Family
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