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Brendan Kappel

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Brendan, and I come from San Diego, California. I am currently a freshman pursuing a degree in History at Texas A&M University, which is situated in College Station, Texas. I am part of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, a military organization. In addition, I am involved with the Texas A&M Fish (freshmen) Drill Team color guard. We achieved the title of Collegiate National Champions at the Tulane drill competition held in New Orleans in February 2026. Moreover, I am currently a police cadet at the El Cajon Police Department, where I have volunteered for over 500 hours. I am studying hard, and during my first semester, I earned a GPA of 3.5. My ambition is to complete the US Air Force ROTC program and graduate from Texas A&M, with the ultimate goal of becoming a US Air Force officer.

Education

Texas A & M University-System Office

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • History
  • Minors:
    • Military Applied Sciences

Grossmont High

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Criminology
    • History
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Military

    • Dream career goals:

      US Air Force Officer

    • Soccer Referee

      San Diego County Referee Association
      2021 – Present5 years

    Sports

    Football

    Intramural
    2025 – 2025

    Soccer

    Club
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • Captain

    Research

    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General

      EL Cajon Police Department — Underage decoy
      2025 – 2025

    Arts

    • Photography Classes

      Photography
      2024 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      U.S Navy JROTC Grossmont High School — Executive Officer
      2021 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      EL Cajon Police Department — Police cadet
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Journey Community Church — Sunday School Aide
      2022 – 2024
    • Public Service (Politics)

      American Legion California Boys and Girls State — City Attorney
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Best Greens Powder Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. Being close to the military has really fueled my interest in aviation. Growing up in a community surrounded by military presence, I've had the chance to see incredible military aircraft up close as they soar through the sky. Witnessing these amazing feats of engineering has shaped my dream of not only becoming a military officer but also a military pilot. Coming from a military family, I've met many inspiring individuals who have served, and their stories motivate me to pursue my own ambitions and strive to be the best I can be. Overall, my military family’s background has significantly impacted my future aspirations. I am a part of the esteemed Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. I am a member of the Texas A&M University Fish Drill team. We won the collegiate national championship at Tulane University in February 2026. As a future sophomore, I want to “coach” the freshmen cadets while learning how to lead the Corps for the future. A capable leader can emerge from anyone possessing the resolve and motivation to cultivate their skills. It is essential to foster both strengths and opportunities for growth. I am eager to improve and develop my leadership skills throughout my college experience. I am studying hard, and during my first semester, I earned a GPA of 3.5. My ambition is to complete the US Air Force ROTC program and graduate from Texas A&M, with the ultimate goal of becoming a US Air Force officer.
    Veterans Next Generation Scholarship
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. I am a part of the esteemed Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. I am a member of the Texas A&M University Fish Drill team. We won the collegiate national championship at Tulane University in February 2026. As a future sophomore, I want to “coach” the freshmen cadets while learning how to lead the Corps for the future. Juniors are the primary instructors of the Corps of Cadets. I want to be a mentor, guiding the teams that realize the vision and implement the strategies for the Corps. The final year of the Corps is marked by the senior boots, which serve as the iconic symbol of the organization. I aim to enhance and advance the organization through effective planning, leadership, and oversight of the Corps A capable leader can emerge from anyone possessing the resolve and motivation to cultivate their skills. It is essential to foster both strengths and opportunities for growth. I am eager to improve and develop my leadership skills throughout my college experience. I am studying hard, and during my first semester, I earned a GPA of 3.5. My ambition is to complete the US Air Force ROTC program and graduate from Texas A&M, with the ultimate goal of becoming a US Air Force officer.
    Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. I am a part of the esteemed Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. I am a member of the Texas A&M University Fish Drill team. We won the collegiate national championship at Tulane University in February 2026. As a future sophomore, I want to “coach” the freshmen cadets while learning how to lead the Corps for the future. Juniors are the primary instructors of the Corps of Cadets. I want to be a mentor, guiding the teams that realize the vision and implement the strategies for the Corps. The final year of the Corps is marked by the senior boots, which serve as the iconic symbol of the organization. I aim to enhance and advance the organization through effective planning, leadership, and oversight of the Corps A capable leader can emerge from anyone possessing the resolve and motivation to cultivate their skills. It is essential to foster both strengths and opportunities for growth. I am eager to improve and develop my leadership skills throughout my college experience. I am studying hard, and during my first semester, I earned a GPA of 3.5. My ambition is to complete the US Air Force ROTC program and graduate from Texas A&M, with the ultimate goal of becoming a US Air Force officer.
    Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
    During my time as captain of my high school soccer team, I had the privilege of demonstrating leadership. Being selected as a captain of any sports team is a big honor and one that comes with a great deal of responsibility. Those responsibilities include leading the team in exercises, creating a bond between each player, being a good communicator between teammates, coaches, referees, motivating your teammates, and much more. Above just showing up for games and practice, the team captain sets the example and the tone for the team. From watching other team captains and being one myself, I learned that the most effective leaders lead by example. Simply being given the title and the power to direct people does not make you a leader. Being a good captain and a leader means believing in and being confident about yourself but also, more importantly, having belief and confidence in your teammates. Equally significant is the presence of personal integrity, bravery, and the capacity to inspire others. We accomplished it by winning the high school soccer district tournament. We achieved success by winning the district tournament in high school soccer. As the leader, I felt immense pride in our team for uniting to secure a hard-fought victory in a closely contested match. Serving as a team captain has prepared me to embrace greater leadership responsibilities within Navy JROTC at Grossmont High School, in my role as a Police cadet, and in my upcoming pursuits with the United States Air Force. I am a member of the distinguished Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. Additionally, I am part of the Texas A&M University Fish Drill Team. In February 2026, we achieved victory at the collegiate national championship held at Tulane University. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year, my goal is to mentor the incoming freshmen cadets while acquiring the skills necessary to lead the Corps in the future. The primary instructors of the Corps of Cadets are the juniors. I aspire to be a mentor, guiding the teams that bring the vision to life and execute the strategies for the Corps. The final year in the Corps is characterized by the senior boots, which are the emblematic representation of the organization. My objective is to enhance and progress the organization through effective planning, leadership, and oversight of the Corps. A capable leader can arise from anyone who possesses the determination and drive to develop their abilities. It is crucial to nurture both strengths and opportunities for personal growth. I am enthusiastic about improving and honing my leadership skills throughout my college journey.
    Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my life as a college student. Military families encounter financial challenges, such as deployment costs, which put a strain on both the families and their budgets. Higher education represents a significant financial burden, and when several siblings are enrolled in college simultaneously, it can become particularly difficult for military families. During these financially challenging times, military families require support and services. This scholarship will assist with my tuition and housing needs. I appreciate the opportunity to share about my military upbringing.
    Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. Being close to the military has really fueled my interest in aviation. Growing up in a community surrounded by military presence, I've had the chance to see incredible military aircraft up close as they soar through the sky. Witnessing these amazing feats of engineering has shaped my dream of not only becoming a military officer but also a military pilot. Coming from a military family, I've met many inspiring individuals who have served, and their stories motivate me to pursue my own ambitions and strive to be the best I can be. Overall, my military family’s background has significantly impacted my future aspirations. I plan on attending a 4 -year university out of state, completing Air Force ROTC and commissioning to become a pilot in the United States Air Force.
    Patriots Path Scholarship
    Winner
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. Being close to the military has really fueled my interest in aviation. Growing up in a community surrounded by military presence, I've had the chance to see incredible military aircraft up close as they soar through the sky. Witnessing these amazing feats of engineering has shaped my dream of not only becoming a military officer but also a military pilot. Coming from a military family, I've met many inspiring individuals who have served, and their stories motivate me to pursue my own ambitions and strive to be the best I can be. Overall, my military family’s background has significantly impacted my future aspirations. During the summer following my sophomore year, I enrolled in the El Cajon, Ca police teen academy. I was eager to engage in defensive tactics, tour the sheriff's helicopter base, analyze a crime scene, accompany an officer on patrol, perform building searches and high-risk vehicle stops, and observe demonstrations by both SWAT and K9 units. My passion for law enforcement was sparked at the conclusion of this academy, leading me to take the initiative to volunteer as a police cadet. During my time as a El Cajon, CA police cadet for the past 2 years, I gained invaluable experience by accompanying police officers on ride-a longs. This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of police work and has better equipped me for a service to my country.