Keroian Kian Ah Ling Joins the United States Naval Academy

The United States Embassy in Mauritius is proud to announce that Keroian Kian Ah Ling will join the United States Naval Academy as from next week. His grades and overall application were so outstanding that the young Mauritian was offered a full scholarship, worth USD $400,000 (covering four years of tuition and board). In the interest of international and Navy-to-Navy relations, up to 60 students from certain foreign countries may be enrolled at the Academy. This program has existed since 1863 and there have been 470 graduates from 70 countries.  Currently, 59 foreign nationals from 28 countries are studying as Midshipmen. 

Keroian, aged 19, completed his International Baccalaureate (IB) at Le Bocage International School and hopes to major in Astrophysics (or any other major in the Physics field) at the Naval Academy. Brought up in a family with “strong ideals for service”, Keroian was therefore very inspired by his brother Eric’s training at the Naval Academy. When some years ago, he attended his brother's graduation in Annapolis, “(his) desire to be part of this elite team was confirmed.” “Upon graduation, I intend to come back and serve in the Maritime strategy and Defense of Mauritius. The Naval Academy will definitely give me fantastic training and experience for my service”, he said. 

Keroain’s dynamism and engagement to the community of this athlete made all the difference. While still at school, he was a Mentor in his school’s Peer Mentoring Program and helped the younger students who had academic difficulties. He was also involved in NGO SOS Poverty in Port Louis, helping in mentoring underprivileged children. He received Silver and Bronze awards in the Duke of Edinburgh program which includes community service as well as camping and hiking. Keroian is also a sports enthusiast; he was awarded “Best Athlete” in Track and Field, at Le Bocage International School, for the last four consecutive years and won two national medals in high jump. The young man also thoroughly enjoys hiking and windsurfing.