The Woodlands High School Graduate Luke Holz Named Top Sailor at Navy Boot Camp

Holz receives Navy’s highest recruit honor, the Military Excellence Award, at RTC graduation

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Seaman Luke Holz, a 2024 graduate of The Woodlands High School, earned the prestigious Military Excellence Award (MEA) upon graduating from Recruit Training Command (RTC) on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Courtesy Photo | Seaman Luke Holz graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) June 26, 2025.

The Military Excellence Award is the highest honor presented to a single graduating Sailor at RTC, recognizing outstanding military bearing, teamwork, and dedication to duty. Holz was selected from among more than 900 recruits in his training group.

Holz, 19, was a varsity cross country and track and field athlete during his time at The Woodlands High School and worked as a lifeguard before enlisting. He credited his faith, family, and fellow shipmates for helping him adjust to military life and remain focused throughout the nine-week boot camp.

Training at RTC is the first step for all enlistees in the U.S. Navy. Following graduation, Holz will continue his training at “A” school in San Diego, California.

Holz is the son of a local family in The Woodlands and now becomes one of the area’s newest representatives in military service, beginning what he hopes will be a long and meaningful naval career.

Byline: The Woodlands Student Center Staff