Haydel, who attends both Gautier High School and MGCCC’s Jackson County Campus through the Collegiate Academy program, will graduate this May with both his high school diploma and associate degree before beginning the next chapter of his journey at the United States Naval Academy.
“The Collegiate Academy program drew me to MGCCC,” Haydel said. “The ability to receive my associate degree before my high school diploma was very appealing.”
Balancing college coursework with high school responsibilities required strong time management and independence, skills Haydel says he developed through his experience at MGCCC.
“I used the Canvas calendar and to-do list to keep up with assignments,” he said. “Since most of my classes were at the college, I learned how to manage my own time and stay responsible for my work. MGCCC has definitely helped me with my independence and confidence academically.”
While pursuing a business major, Haydel intentionally enrolled in challenging engineering and mathematics courses to prepare for the Naval Academy. He described Calculus I and II, Chemistry and Physics with Calculus as some of the most difficult classes he has taken.
“The calculus courses have definitely been the most challenging,” he said. “I took Calculus II, Chemistry and Physics with Calculus all in the same semester, so getting through those classes was extremely rewarding.”
Haydel credits several MGCCC faculty and staff members for helping him succeed along the way, including Angela Sims, Michelle Dickerson, Kelsey Stewart, Rachel Prather and Rhett McNorton.
“There are many instructors and staff members who made a huge impact on me,” he said. “They pushed me, encouraged me and helped me work through the toughest material.”
On April 1, 2026, Haydel received the life-changing phone call he had worked toward for years.
“I was in the MGCCC gym around 8:30 in the morning after finishing a set of weights,” he recalled. “I answered the phone and the man told me he was from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s office and wanted to be the first to inform me of my appointment into the Naval Academy. I was completely shocked and kept thanking him over and over. The guy next to me in the gym probably thought I had lost my mind.”
For Haydel, the appointment represents far more than admission to a college.
“This opportunity means I now have my dream career,” he said. “I’ll be able to serve my country, receive an incredible education and become a commissioned officer in the Navy. After graduation, I plan to serve as a Surface Warfare Officer and hopefully one day serve aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.”
His passion for the Navy was shaped early in life by his father, retired Navy Surface Warfare Officer Jon Haydel, who served 22 years in the military. Growing up around military history, ships and life on the water inspired him to follow a similar path.
“My father’s career and growing up around the Navy had a huge impact on me,” Haydel said. “I’ve always loved military equipment and the discipline that comes with military service. I realized pretty early in high school that the Naval Academy was where I wanted to be.”
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Haydel has spent the last two years leading approximately 60 cadets through the NJROTC program at Gautier High School. He says the leadership experience helped prepare him for the demanding environment he will soon enter.
“The NJROTC program has easily been the biggest leadership experience that prepared me for this next chapter,” he said. “Leading other students taught me responsibility, discipline and how to work with people.”
As he prepares to leave the Gulf Coast for Annapolis, Haydel says he is most excited about being surrounded by others who share the same goals and commitment to service.
“I’m looking forward to being around like-minded people and being part of a structured, Navy-focused environment,” he said.
Haydel also encourages other students to consider the Collegiate Academy pathway.
“If you are considering a four-year college after high school, do it,” he said. “There’s no reason not to complete two years of college while finishing high school if you have the opportunity. It gives you control over your academics and helps prepare you for the future.”
Outside of academics and military preparation, Haydel enjoys fishing, working on vehicles, gaming, riding four-wheelers and spending time with friends and family in Gautier.
