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Catholic High senior aims for best at Naval Academy

Scott Diaz wraps up distinguished high school career; sets sights on Annapolis

Published: May 31, 2014   

By Dwain Hebda
Associate Editor

Dwain Hebda
Scott Diaz, 2014 Catholic High School graduating senior, takes a last look around his alma mater. The Christ the King parishioner is bound for the U.S. Naval Academy, where he will study engineering.

There may be no more hallowed institution of higher learning in the country than the U.S. Naval Academy. The very name invokes images of American military might; every square inch of the place is steeped in tradition. In 164 years, the school has produced 73 Medal of Honor recipients, 46 Rhodes scholars, 52 astronauts, five chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and one U.S. president.

The academic rigors are matched only by the physical demands placed upon the student body, every one of whom will, upon graduation, stand as a bulwark against the nation’s enemies in a very dangerous world. 

In short, it’s Scott Diaz’ kind of place.

“I want to serve my country,” said the Catholic High School graduating senior. “I come from a military family so I’ve always had this sense of tradition and duty.”

Diaz, the son of Thomas and Beth Diaz of Little Rock and a member of Christ the King Church, is the third generation of military men in his family. His father, his uncle, Troy Diaz and his paternal grandfather Antonio Diaz were all distinguished Navy men; his maternal grandfather, Howard Long, an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corp.

It is in this latter capacity that Diaz hopes to make his mark, after earning a degree in mechanical engineering.  Admitting that attaining these lofty goals at such a demanding school was intimidating, he also noted that’s the point.

“Not only is the Naval Academy an amazing opportunity to serve my country, but it is the best,” he said. “Every single one of those students is the best. I’ve worked hard to be counted among them.”

That work has included four years on the football and basketball teams at Catholic High School; he lists his election as a football team captain as one of the highlights of his time there.

“It left me speechless, I still have a hard time putting into words what that meant,” said the former middle linebacker. “After four years of hard work and two-a-days and suffering with your brothers, it was just very gratifying to be honored like that.”

Off the field, he was involved for three years with the school newspaper and a two-year member of the CHS Engineering Club and Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honor society. He also participated in the school’s Political Awareness Club. Diaz said the unique culture of the school has helped prepare him for the next level, a culture he is eager to have his younger brother Duncan experience as a freshman next year.

“It’s cliché, but it’s very true that Catholic High is a brotherhood. The camaraderie here is without equal. I know I can call on anyone from my class if I needed them and they could call on me.

“Catholic High also holds its students to a higher standard. They give you an opportunity and then hold you accountable for results. The only thing that holds you back is whether you’re willing to work hard enough.”

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