Called to Serve: A Student Spotlight on Minh Dang
As Minh Dang enters his senior year at Covenant Christian Academy, he brings a resume full of awards, hours of service, and a deep sense of purpose. But behind the long list of accomplishments is a student marked by humility, perseverance, and a quiet confidence in God’s plan for his life.
Minh’s high school career has been nothing short of remarkable. His dedication has earned him the Peter J. Soler Junior Cadet of the Year (a national honor), multiple Honor Cadet titles, and promotion to Chief in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a role that demanded years of discipline, coursework, training, and leadership. He’s also a College Board National Recognition Award recipient and a Timothy Service Award honoree—twice—for logging over 372 hours of community service.
At CCA, Minh has maintained Summa Cum Laude status every year, served as Secretary of the National Honor Society, earned honors in the Spanish Honor Society, and placed in the American Math Competition (AMC). He’s been a finalist for the Daniel Award twice, competed at State in Cross Country, and played the cello in the All-Region Orchestra—not to mention winning first place three times with the CCA Solar Car Team.
Among all his accomplishments, Minh is most proud of his years volunteering at Revive, a ministry that serves children with special needs. “It’s kept me grounded, humble, and grateful,” he reflects.
His service doesn’t stop there. Through his time with the Sea Cadets, Minh has learned to live out his faith in environments far beyond the Christian school world. “God has shown me that many people live without knowing Him,” Minh says. “I’ve met Muslims, Atheists, and Agnostics, and I’ve had opportunities to share the gospel. It’s challenged me in my own walk and talk as a Christian.”
While Minh has many natural strengths, reading didn’t come easy. “I struggled with reading comprehension for years,” he admits. But with support from a dedicated tutor and a lot of personal effort, Minh discovered the joy of reading and completely changed the trajectory of his academic experience. He also nearly doubled his SAT score—through self-study, using only free books and online materials.
Another personal victory was his determination to improve on the National Spanish Exam. After falling short of his goal in 10th grade, he immersed himself in Spanish music, films, and conversations. His persistence paid off, and in 11th grade, he earned a score high enough to be exempt from the final.
Minh is currently preparing to apply to all of the U.S. Service Academies, with a strong preference for the United States Naval Academy. His backup plan? ROTC at Texas A&M, where he plans to study engineering and explore future roles in military security or JAG.
This summer, Minh will attend Service Academy Summer Seminars at the U.S. Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy, as well as Texas Boys State—all with full sponsorships. “These experiences will help me discern God’s call for my life,” he says.
Minh treasures being part of the CCA community. “I love being grounded in the Word of God, going to school with my dad ( a CCA teacher), and being encouraged by godly teachers and classmates,” he shares. When asked about a favorite teacher, he’s quick to say, “I appreciate all my teachers. Each one is unique in how they’ve impacted me.” His favorite subject? History, because “it helps me understand the ‘why’ behind everything that’s happened—and how to learn from it.”
One of the most memorable books Minh has read at CCA is Moby Dick. His favorite quote? “The pain of discipline is less than the pain of regret.” It echoes the spirit of Hebrews 12:11, a verse that has shaped his mindset: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time…but it produces a harvest of righteousness.”
When asked what instantly brightens his day, he answers with a smile: “Ice cream.”
As for the future, Minh’s dream is clear:“To serve my country and serve my God by sharing the gospel wherever the calm winds and following seas lead me.”
Minh Dang is more than an exceptional student—he’s a young man of faith, character, and conviction. As he steps into his final year of high school, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to lead, serve, and inspire others—anchored in truth, driven by purpose, and guided by grace.
