SOUTH FORSYTH -- A Lambert High School senior is set to attend the U.S. Naval Academy upon graduating from the school in south Forsyth. --

Christine McDonnell was appointed to the academy in Annapolis, Maryland, one of four military academies that require a nomination by a member of Congress, the vice president or a service branch secretary.

As part of the class of 2021, McDonnell will play on the women’s golf team during college while taking classes to put her on a pre-medical track.

“Once I graduate, I will be commissioned as an officer in the Navy and will have a five-year commitment,” she said. “I hope to obtain a medical assignment.

“My ultimate goal would be to quality to go to medical school.”

McDonnell completed the health care pathway at Lambert and said she is looking forward to her senior year on the golf team.

Students in south Forsyth are nominated by 7th District U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall. North Forsyth schools are in District 9.

She said she became interested in service academies because her aunt went to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“The Navy gave me the opportunity to play gold. I also love everything the academies stand for, so to have the opportunity to go to the Naval Academy is really special,” she said. “I was very impressed by Navy Coach Nadia Ste-Marie and all of the members of the team that I met during my recruiting visit.”

McDonnell has been a member of Health Occupations Students of America, or HOSA, throughout high school, where her advisor encouraged her to pursue a career in the medical field.

She is also a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society.