Last year, in preparation for the commissioning of a new submarine, middle and high school students authored essays for a chance to have their town’s name onboard the Navy’s newest ship. Of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts FHS Sophomore Chloe Bowser was one of twelve winners.

Thanks to her award-winning essay, “A Family’s Legacy in the Yard,” about the Charleston Naval shipyard, a sign “Entering the Town of Franklin,” now sits above an entryway to the berthing room (sleeping quarters) aboard the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Massachusetts SSN 798, commissioned March 28th in Boston Harbor. The idea of having such a ceremony originated in the 1600s during the Anglo-Dutch War, when Admiral Tromp posted a broom atop his masthead signaling his intention to “sweep” the English from the sea.

Chloe’s Mom, Ally serves as President of the Parent Communication Council (PCC) at Franklin Middle School, overseeing fundraising initiatives, student programs, yearbook management, and field trip coordination. Travis met Ally while stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, where she was attending Salve Regina College. 

Major Travis Bowser courageously served in three combat actions, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Khanjar. Highly educated, with two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s, he currently instructs the Marine Corps’ Junior ROTC program at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, where Chloe enjoys participating in their marksmanship training, and raider and color guard teams.

The “Bowser Bunch” includes Chloe and her fou brothers. And what a patriotic bunch they are! Oldest brother Chance followed in Travis’ footsteps and joined the Marines as an Aviation Welder. Second brother Chris went into the Air Force in Combat Controller/Special Warfare, the equivalent to a Navy Seal. Third son 19-year-old Jacob attends Providence College and majors in both Political Science and Community Services studies. TJ (Travis Juinor) is the youngest of the Bowser Bunch and is a 7th grader at Franklin Middle School. 

Following her mother’s world of science, Chloe lists science as her number 1 fav. The accomplished and energetic teen, in the top 10% of her class, is a member of the Science Olympiad Club, working on higher-level science projects. Her second love is music, and she plays both the clarinet and Tenor Sax, and her extracurricular activities include volunteering to help children with special needs, acting as a treasurer for FHS Student Government, a Project 351 Ambassador and mentor, a member of the Music Honor Society and the National Honor Society for math studies, a Varsity track athlete, a poet, an artist, and “an amazing daughter, sister, and Auntie.” her dad proudly proclaimed. Chloe also enjoys painting in the small amount of spare time she has.

The essayist advises others to go after their dreams encouraging them to, “Take it one step at a time so you can enjoy and experience the goal to its fullest.”

Congratulations to Chloe for her commendable essay getting “Entering Franklin” on an entryway to the berthing room of the USS Massachusetts SSN 798. And kudos to these patriotic townies in our cherished community, the Bowser Bunch. It makes me proud to be a Franklinite!