Ever since she was a young girl watching the History Channel with her father, Courtney Banske has dreamt of attending the United States Naval Academy.

Unlike some that are outgrown after childhood, the Calumet City resident's dream has grown skyward. The Bishop Noll senior hopes to become a Navy fighter pilot and has accepted a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

The Naval Academy, like its sister institution, West Point, is a four-year university that combines a traditional college education with the training needed to become an officer in the U.S. military. Tuition and room and board are free.

Less than 10 percent of applicants are accepted, and it requires a recommendation from a member of Congress or vice president. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Chicago, recommended Banske for the appointment.

To complete the application, Banske filled out hundreds of pages.

"I don't think I've ever signed my name so many times," she said.

Banske also underwent medical, physical and agility exams. Monday, she underwent oral surgery to remove her impacted wisdom teeth, another requirement.

From the start, Banske was inspired by a family of public servants. Her father is a firefighter and paramedic, her uncle is a policeman, her mother is a nurse and both of her grandfathers were in the military.

"I always meant to do it, especially since Sept. 11," she said. "My sixth-grade teacher was in the Navy and told her stories. It drew me in."

Courtney plans to major in political science, an inspiration she got from her dad, who has been active in politics, she said.

"I've worked on campaigns and been exposed to politics my whole life and love it," she said. "I've handed out fliers since I was little."

The family is excited, her father Rich Banske said. Many people don't realize the significance of the academy and that it's alumni include president Jimmy Carter and presidential candidate John McCain, he said.

"This is something she's talked about since sixth grade," Rich Banske said. "She wanted to go into the Navy. When they are 12, you blow it off a little. When she was a freshmen we started going to open houses."

Courtney Banske, an honor roll student, is a varsity volleyball player and member of math club. Earlier in her high school career, she played softball and basketball and was a cheerleader. In addition to volunteer activities with her church, she has helped coach her sister's volleyball team and been an umpire for Lansing youth softball.

She turned down scholarships to play volleyball at other colleges, Rich Banske said.

He is going to miss her, but sending her off to college is not as worrisome as it is for most parents, he said.

"I don't have the same worries," he said, "No frat parties; Girls Gone Wild videos. It's not on campus. She'll be so regimented with a lot of safety net. She's going to learn to take care of herself."