Niles High School senior Alex Gamso says he is excited about being nominated by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, to attend the United States Naval Academy.

“It’s a family thing,” said Gamso, whose grandfather, Robert Gamso, was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.

Gamso said he is attracted to the Naval Academy because of its reputation as a top mechanical engineering school.

Gamso said he wants to study mechanical engineering and someday design amusement rides for Walt Disney Corp.

“It’s always been an interest whenever we went to Cedar Point or Six Flags or Disney,” he said. “I’ve also enjoyed when I was younger tinkering with K’Nex and Legos.”

In order to be accepted into the Naval Academy, Gamso must complete a secondary application, physical test and medical test. He said he should know by spring.

Gamso has already by accepted to Michigan Tech and Florida Tech. He said he’s waiting for word from the University of Michigan.

Gamso said he would probably go to the Naval Academy, if he were accepted.

Gamso also attends Andrews University’s Math and Science Center, while serving as a class officer at Niles and Andrews Math and Science Center, a member of Key Club International and a member of Science Olympiad at Niles.