Discovery Bay resident Eric Leines, son of Jeanie and Richard Leines, signed his letter of intent last week to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. for the fall academic term. He was nominated for enrollment at the school by Congressman Jerry McNerney and officially appointed in December.

A senior at Liberty High School, Leines was one of 250 students selected to enter the academy, one of the country’s five military academies. The four-year program includes three years of classes and a year at sea practicing the trade. Leines’ older brother, Adam, will graduate from the academy this spring. Eric plans to major in engineering with a minor in shipyard management.

When Adam was deciding where to continue his education after high school, he researched the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Eric was an incoming freshman at Liberty High School at the time, but was already sold on the academy and knew he’d dedicate his high school career to achieving his goal.

“A lot of weight is now off my shoulders, but my goal for the last four years has been achieved,” he said. “My teacher and parents helped prepare me for this privilege. Classes in physics, chemistry and calculus were essential in obtaining an appointment and will help me excel at the academy.”