It's called the Ring Dance, and it is simply the biggest
social event of a student's life at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Once a midshipman gets past his freshman year, it's the thing he most looks forward to. It ain't just a party, folks. It's, well, it's everything. It's when a midshipman gets his class ring, which then is dipped in waters from the seven seas.

Students begin looking early for just the right date to the Ring Dance. Real early, like during their sophomore year. The dance isn't held until the end of their junior year, but it's so big - some call it second in social importance only to a presidential inaugural ball - you can't waste time finding the right date.

Spencer Waters is midway through his sophomore year at Annapolis, the perfect time to try to find the perfect escort for a dance that won't be held until May 17, 2008. He's a graduate of Webb School in Knoxville and the grandson of Sevierville's John Waters Jr.

Let's see, he has Sevier County connections, he grew up in Knoxville, he needs the perfect date. ... Who better to ask than Dolly Parton?

Spencer Waters fired off a letter to Parton on Feb. 12, telling her about the Ring Dance and its traditions that date to 1925.

"It is crucial," he wrote, "each Midshipman choose the perfect date. Some Midshipmen spend more time thinking about their Ring Dance date than who they will one day marry. After much thought and deliberation, it would be an honor and a privilege to escort you to my ring dance."

In his letter Waters told Parton, who grew up in Sevierville, about his own Sevier County connections.

"Many times I have heard my grandfather ... tell the story of how you performed as a child in the Pines Theater in Sevierville. Knowing your willingness to give back to East Tennessee and this great country, I know you would be a guest held in high regard. Believe me when I say your attendance would become a part of Naval Academy history."

Waters sent Parton a photo of himself with his grandfather.

About two weeks later Waters got a letter from Dolly Parton. And it was a classic.

"It has been a long time since someone asked me for a date!" she wrote. "Your event sounds like it's bigger than the Sevier County prom. Ha! I'm old enough to be your lover - whoops, I mean mother! I probably should escort your grandfather. In all seriousness it is a heartfelt invitation, but in all likelihood I would stand you up and be somewhere else in the world. ... With your good looks, I know you will have a beautiful gal on your arm!"

The letter from Dolly Parton became the talk of the Naval Academy. Yeah, Waters has to look elsewhere for a date, but wow, Dolly Parton wrote back.

"I felt like it was worth a try," Waters said in a cell phone conversation. "As soon as I got the letter my roommate, who's from Little Rock, couldn't wait for me to open it. The letter itself is pretty funny."

Waters, the son of John III and Beth Waters, became interested in the military after reading Pat Conroy's "The Lords of Discipline." Conroy attended The Citadel in Charleston and the book was a harsh, though fictionalized, look at life in a military school. Still, Spencer Waters was fascinated by the brotherhood of a military academy.

"I was inclined to go Navy all the way," he said. He was nominated for the Academy by U.S. Rep. John Duncan and U.S. Sen. Bill Frist.

"I'm glad I did it," he said of attending the Naval Academy. "You make amazing friends. I have taken flying lessons and I've learned to drive a small boat."

His aim after graduation is to go into basic Marine Corps training or to learn surface warfare. He also remains interested in becoming a pilot.

He got by his rough freshman year just fine.

"Sometimes it stinks being a plebe," he said. "You learn to be a good follower."

Being brazen enough to ask Dolly Parton for a date is not the action of a follower. Looks like Spencer Waters' Naval Academy training is paying off. Of course, he's still dateless for May 2008. Reckon Reba McEntire is busy?

- Stan Voit is editor of The Mountain Press. His column appears each Sunday. He can be reached at 428-0748, ext. 217, or e-mail to svoit@themountainpress.com.

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