May 29 - United States Air Force Academy

22
Academy Spirit
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013
Nearly 200 graduate Academy Prep School
Outstanding Cadet Candidate:
Outstanding Cadet Candidate in Academics:
Outstanding Cadet Candidate in Athletics:
Outstanding Cadet Candidate in Military Training:
Outstanding Cadet Candidate in Character Development:
By Airman 1st Class Veronica Ward
Academy Public Affairs staff writer
Before the Academy said goodbye to
the Class of 2013, its Preparatory School
held its graduation ceremony May 21 in
Arnold Hall Theater.
Out of 180 Academy Prep School
graduates, 173 were offered appointments
to the Academy, said Mark Winter,
the Prep School commander’s executive.
These candidates have until the end
of the month to decide to accept the appointment.
For many cadet candidates, the decision
was made well before they were offered
the option.
“The Prep School was a step, but I
have a long road ahead of me,” said Cadet
Candidate and Prep School graduate
Greg Howland. “I’m ready to give
the Academy my best.”
For another cadet candidate, the Air
Force is a family affair, as Darrius Parker
is a third-generation Airman.
“This is a big accomplishment, but I
am looking forward to the day I walk
at graduation (from the Academy),” he
said.
Some prior-enlisted Prep School grads
are also poised to represent the Academy,
said cadet candidate Tierra Franklin.
“I’ve been in the Air Force for almost
four years,” she said. “This is quite the
accomplishment, but without my teammates
I’m nothing.”
Cadet candidate Heather Parcasio,
also a prior-enlisted Airman, is looking
forward to “heading up the hill.”
“This is a new adventure, a new chapter,
and a chance to meet peers,” she
said.
The Prep School prepares students for
the rigors of the Academy and supplies
the approximately 15 percent of the cadets
who receive appointments to the
Academy each year.
Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen.
Mike Gould graduated the Prep School
in 1972.
Prep School Graduates