Konyk graduated from Chopticon High School in 2009 and the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics in 2013. Konyk’s most recent degree is a master’s in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mechanicsville.
“Growing up, I was very active as a gymnast and a track runner,” Konyk said. “That instilled in me the values of dedication and hard work, which laid a good foundation for the demanding and challenging environment of the Navy.”
Konyk joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Konyk serves as the squadron’s safety officer.
“I made the decision to join the Navy in sixth grade after 9/11 happened,” Konyk said. "I also had great mentors in high school and joined Junior ROTC, but it was in middle school when I met Frank Maio, a Vietnam War veteran who has since passed on, that I knew for sure I wanted to serve. Frank was a teacher of mine and he was such a caring and patriotic person. He made me realize serving was more than just a job. It also meant you had a purpose, and that was something I wanted badly."
