2026 SLOHS graduate Evan Priola salutes the Coast Guard. Photo Courtesy of 2026 SLOHS graduate Evan Priola.
This year, four seniors have chosen to enlist in the military, San Luis Obispo High School graduate Evan Priola is one of these few, choosing to join the Coast Guard. He will have several weeks to prepare and relax before being sent in. How has Evan Priola chosen to spend his rapidly dwindling free time over the summer?
Expressions: Do you have any plans to do before joining the Coast Guard?
Evan Priola: After Graduation, I’m going to San Francisco with my dad for a couple days. We’re basically seeing the sights and taking a tour of Alcatraz. I really looked forward to it as I’ve been wanting to go to San Francisco since I’ve moved here so basically taking the opportunity to relax before basic training. Coast Guard basic training is the second hardest with a failure rate of 10 percent, so I’m nervous for basic training, but once I graduate it should be pretty chill and be a cool experience.
Expressions: When do you enter the coast guard, and what will you be doing in it?
Priola: I was officially sworn in on March 17th, but I’ll be reporting for duty at San Jose MEPS for a final screening on Monday June 15. Once the screening is done, they put me on a bus then take me to an airport where I go to basic training in Cape May, New Jersey. I’m expected to graduate from the 2 month-long boot camp in August. I just signed a contract to be a Boatswain’s Mate which means I’ll either be a crew member on a small boat, or work on a cutter.
Expressions: Are you excited or nervous about joining the coast guard?
Priola: I’m mostly excited but a little nervous like someone would be going to college. Joining the military is a huge decision and commitment. My contract is four years long with an additional four years in the Inactive Ready Reserve. I’m excited to get to my duty station just to start working. I’m hoping for the small boat stations because you can go to your personal residence when you’re off instead of living on a base full time.
Expressions: Do you have any other plans for the summer?
Priola: Other than basic training and moving in general, not really.
SLOHS graduate Evan Priola is excited but nervous to be joining the Coast Guard over the summer. During his remaining free time before joining the Coast Guard he is excited to be going to San Francisco with his family.
