CVHS, known for its STEM-based academics, has only a handful of graduates who consider the military as a career. With 841 students currently enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year and under 1% pursuing military service or academies in recent years, the path is far from typical. Yet for senior Sarah Ramos, the military is much more than just a path — it is a place for her to realize her ambitions.
Ramos, one of the few students at Carnegie planning a military career, recently committed to Purdue University on a full-ride Navy ROTC scholarship. She will also receive a monthly stipend to support her education. Her passion for aviation and sense of duty, combined with a deep-rooted connection to the military, helped shape her decision.
“It started with my dad,” Ramos said. “He was enlisted in the Marines, and his courage really inspired me. He used to joke about the Navy, making little digs at it and such. But even with the teasing, he made sure I knew it was an option.”
Ramos’ interest in aviation also heavily influenced her desire to join the military. She aspires to one day become a pilot and is currently working toward her private pilot license. Though she has big ambitions, Ramos said she still craves the chance to unlock her full potential.
“I feel like I need to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Ramos said. “My full potential can’t be reached unless I’m contributing to something meaningful.”
Though her journey began in the JROTC program, which enrolls about 4,200 students districtwide in HISD, Ramos always saw herself going beyond. Her ultimate goal is to become a pilot for the Navy, though she remains open to other positions, such as surface warfare officer. She’s confident that no matter the position, she will be able to lead and make a difference.
For Ramos, the decision to join the Navy instead of the Air Force was personal.
“Something about the Air Force just wasn’t drawing me in like the Navy was,” Ramos said. “In the Navy, you get more opportunities to travel the world, and that’s so cool to me.”
Though her path is rare for Carnegie students, she has never been alone in her ambitions. Ramos noted that alum Mia Gonzalez, who now attends the Air Force Academy, also inspired her to explore a future in military service.
Ramos hopes others interested in military careers pursue it for the right reasons.
“It should be out of passion, not just for a free education,” Ramos said. “It’s a serious commitment — you won’t just be representing yourself once you join — you’ll be representing your country.”
Ramos encouraged those interested to check out summer programs at military academies to get a feel for the environment.
While military service might not be the norm at Carnegie, Ramos’ journey shows there is more than one way to serve and lead. And in choosing this road, she is setting an example for others who may be looking for purpose beyond the classroom.
