Ken Leach, Naval Academy information officer, has received the Area 312 Commandant’s Award.

The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., selects an individual from each region in the United States who has provided to the successful development of the Academy’s Class of 2009, according to a news release.

As an information officer for the past seven years, Leach covers a regional area of roughly 20 high schools. He speaks to junior and senior high school students and their families about the opportunities available at the Naval Academy. He interviews students about their interest in the academy. However, he is not a recruiter.

“I think it is a worthy cause for the community and it enables me to meet outstanding young men and women who someday may lead our nation,” Leach stated in a news release.

He knows firsthand what the academy is about as he attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island and the Naval Academy.

“The academy offers 18 majors, small class sizes, NCAA Division I varsity sports for men and women, full federal funding, a monthly stipend, complete medical and dental coverage and an education valued at approximately $250,000,” Leach stated.

He is founder and head coach of the non-profit Oakville Junior Tigers Football League. He serves on the Mehlville Board of Education, the Board of Directors for the St. Louis/Tom Lombardo Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and is executive director of the Amateur Football Council.

For additional information about applying to the U.S. Naval Academy, contact Leach at (314) 846-1277 or by e-mail at LeachUSNA81@aol.com.