Bremen Student Honored as a Semper Fidelis All-American

On July 12, Bremen High School senior Charlie Bennett and his sponsor, Bremen High School social studies teacher and head football coach, Dan Stell, arrived in Washington D.C. Of 6,000 applicants, Bennett was 1 of 96 students nationwide and 1 of 3 Illinois students chosen to be a part of the four-day, all-expenses paid, 2018 Battles Won Academy, where he was honored as a Semper Fidelis All-American.

Students across the United States who wish to be a Semper Fidelis All-American must meet an impressive list of requirements to be considered for the program. These requirements include having a 3.5 or higher GPA, being active in community service, playing a competitive team sport, and holding a student or community leadership position. In addition to these requirements, students must also submit an essay describing obstacles in their life and how they overcame them. After applying, students are then selected by the Semper Fidelis All-American Program, sponsored by the United States Marine Corps.

“When I found out about the program and read the description and list of requirements, I immediately thought of Charlie,” says Stell. “We only had a couple of weeks to get the application in before the deadline, but I was determined to nominate him.”

Bennett is Academic All-State with a 4.5 weighted GPA and was All-Conference in baseball his sophomore year and football his junior year. In his essay, Bennett describes the many obstacles in his life which include being hit by a car in seventh grade, experiencing the loss of his father last year, and helping his brother who was diagnosed with Autism. The program, which says it “honors students who face life with the conviction and determination to succeed,” read Bennett’s story and agreed that he deserved to be a part of the program.

“As soon as I answered the call and heard the person on the other end introduce himself as Sargent I knew I was either in trouble or that this was good news,” says Bennett.

Bennett and Stell spent their four days at the Battles Won Academy participating in workouts, attending an immersive Marine Corps experience at Quantico, completing a community service project, and touring the Nation’s Capital. They heard stories from Marines, the leadership of CrossFit, and other All-Americans.

“Every day we were busy and there were so many unique events,” says Bennett. “It wasn’t really a specific event that was my favorite part though. It was meeting people from all over the country who were open to sharing their stories and adversities. They made me want to strive to be a better person.”

“I wish every kid could participate in this program,” says Stell. “The room was so dynamic and there were so many people there from different walks of life, but you’d never know they were all strangers. Here were Marines, some of the biggest, baddest guys out there and when they told you their story they became relatable. The program teaches you that everyone has obstacles in life and everyone overcomes those obstacles differently, but underneath we’re all similar.”

Bennett, who has already experienced his fair share of obstacles in life, says the program “changed his perspective.” From now on he plans to live with a “fighting spirit,” which he describes as having the mindset to be the best he can be to stay prepared, motivated, and ready to conquer any obstacles life throws at him.

While Bennett still has a year left at Bremen High School in Midlothian, Ill., he says his goal is to go to college and play sports at the collegiate level – either football or baseball.