J'Kai Lake isn't your average 17-year-old.

As master chief petty officer at Bridgeport Military Academy, Lake lets his actions — and accolades — do most of the talking.

The Bridgeport native recently became the first cadet in the academy's history to be nominated to all four U.S. service academies.

“In nominating a student to our nation’s service academies," Rep. Jim Himes says. "I look for applicants with strong leadership instincts, demonstrated perseverance and self-discipline, and, above all, a steadfast commitment to serving our country. J’Kai embodied all of those qualities."

Lake says he's planning to become a Navy Seal while studying mechanical engineering. "So, when I get out of the military, I have a job not necessarily secured," Lake says. "But there will be a lot of careers in that path."

He’s not the first cadet in Bridgeport Military Academy history to be nominated for a service academy, but he's the first cadet to be nominated for four.

“He’s established that pathway and what’s achievable for our students," Principal Jay Lipp says. "He’s been a model student, continuously obtaining superior performance in everything that he’s done both academically, physically, and in the naval science courses."

The academy is hoping more cadets follow in Lake's footsteps.

“Don’t let people tell you where you’re from, defines you," Retired Lt. Commander Travis Brewster says. "It’s all about your character."

For more information on how to apply to the Bridgeport Military Academy, visit here: https://ct02210097.schoolwires.net/bma

Applications are open until the end of January.