Salute: Hartselle High alumnus graduates from Naval Academy

By Wendy Lang 

For the Enquirer  

Jackson Boyer is a 2020 graduate of Hartselle High School and went on to the U.S. Naval Academy following graduation. Boyer majored in political science with a minor in Japanese all while playing college football. The 1,054 members of the 2024 graduating class were honored with a fly-by and performance from the Blue Angels. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke at the graduation ceremony. Boyer’s family members were front and center to see him walk the stage. In attendance were his parents, Todd and Leslie Boyer, his sister Mary Hannah Boyer, grandmother Myra Garrett, his uncle Blake Garrett and his uncle and aunt John and Thanh Boyer. 

Ensign Boyer’s next assignment will be in Pensacola, Fla., where he will attend flight school in October. He has signed a seven-year contract and said he is looking forward to what comes next. Boyer’s first salute was to Turner Stepp of Decatur, who will graduate next year. The two were high school football rivals but became friends and teammates at the Naval Academy.