The Wesleyan College Advising office is pleased to announce that two seniors are pursuing careers in the Armed Forces. Mamie Pridgen was appointed as a midshipman for the United States Naval Academy Class of 2028. Pridgen received nominations from Congresswoman Lucy McBath and Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.
A member of Wesleyan’s volleyball and lacrosse teams, Pridgen has been a four-year competitor in both sports. This year, she was also the varsity girls’ basketball manager. Well-regarded by players and coaches, she has also served on Wesleyan’s Student-Athletic Leadership Team.
In addition to her athletic abilities, Pridgen served for three years on the Honor Council, culminating in being elected chaplain this year. She participated in Mock Trials, SALSA (Students Advocating Life without Substance Abuse), book clubs and a monthly missions club.
She is the editor of the yearbook and editor-in-chief of the Wesleyan Literary Magazine. Chosen by the 12th-grade chairs, she currently serves as one of the co-presidents of the senior class. She is a member of the English National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society.
Pridgen has always had immense respect for the military. Her desire to serve her country began after watching her brother, Andrew Pridgen, as he matriculated through the Army ROTC program at Furman University and graduated to become a second lieutenant currently serving in Germany.
With a single-minded focus, Pridgen set her sights on the Naval Academy, one of the country’s premier officer training programs, and participated in the summer seminar following her junior year and two candidate visit weekends during her senior year. Pridgen will report to the Naval Academy in June, where she will major in operations research.
Upon graduation from the Naval Academy, Pridgen will commission as an ensign in the United States Navy.
Nadia Desbordes was also selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy in June 2024.
Highly skilled athletically and academically, Nadia flourished during high school. In her freshman year, Nadia played junior varsity lacrosse, and she ran varsity track and placed in four events at the state track and field competition during her sophomore year.
However, her primary sport has been volleyball. A member of the Wesleyan volleyball program since sixth grade, Nadia began playing on the varsity team in her sophomore year. She was named to the First Team Region 7-AAA squad in her junior and senior years and to the Gwinnett County A-6A Second Team as a senior.
Her athletic prowess led to her being named to Wesleyan’s Student-Athlete Leadership Team as a junior and senior. Additionally, Nadia played on a national-level club team throughout her high school years. During her junior and senior years, she volunteered as a volleyball camp counselor and volunteer club coach.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Nadia has been deeply involved in school life. Since sophomore year, she has served on the yearbook staff culminating in serving as Senior Section Editor. As a member of the GRACE club for all four years of high school, Nadia has promoted a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community for students.
Nadia has also served as a Wesleyan Ambassador to prospective students and their parents since ninth grade. While involved in these activities, Nadia has also compiled an exceptional academic record. She has been named an AP Scholar with Honor, served as a math team member since ninth grade, and completed a Senior STEM Seminar project.
Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy commission as a second lieutenant into either the U. S. Air Force or U. S. Space Force. Congratulations to Mamie, Nadia, and their families for this honor, and thank you for your willingness to serve our country.
