Four seniors plan to attend military academies prior to graduation: DJ Serrano, Nick Brickous, Madeline Gloss, and Aj Esparza. Both Serrano and Brickous will attend West Point, while Gloss and Esparza will attend the United States Air Force Academy.
“It’s rare to have two kids from the same school accepted into the same academy,” Principal Dan Serrano says.
The process of application for these academies is both difficult and extensive, “The whole process took a couple months. I had to request an interview with the senator and then I had to do a lot of paperwork [before] I was accepted,” Esparza says.
“It’s a really long process; you have to apply to your congressman, the senators,and then you have to apply to the academy. They’re two separate applications that are a long process,” Principal Serrano explains.
He continues, “Even after accepting your appointment you have to send in a background check, your fingerprints, your dental records, your blood type, all these personal things, because it’s military.”
In addition to all the preparations made for their acceptance into the academies, each student will be required to attend a Boot Camp the summer preceding their freshman year.
“I’m nervous, but excited at the same time. I’ve been watching videos of it on Youtube and it seems okay. There’s a lot of yelling, but [it’s] just good nerves I guess,” Gloss says.
“I am scared. Scared,” Brickous says emphatically.
Following graduation, the students will have the opportunity to serve their country in active duty for five years.
“I want to serve my country and protect it. I’m excited for it,” DJ Serrano says. “I expect a very tough four years but a rewarding life afterwards.”
As DJ’s father, Principal Serrano understands the emotions of such a process. “I think it’s a shock as a parent. Nobody in my family has ever been in the military, and when you’re going to the military, you’re theirs,” he explains.
Each of the students were inspired by a family member who has also served their country.
“I’ve always wanted to go to a military academy, ever since I was in junior high, because my dad went there, so I’ve always known about it,” Gloss says
“My great-grandpa served in the army and received a silver star. My dad was in the Navy, so joining was a plan of mine,” Brickous states.
“[My dad] served in the National Guard when he was younger and he helped me through this whole process. He inspired me to do more than just go to a regular college,” Esparza says.
As attendees of military academies, the students will have experiences unique to their circumstance, while learning valuable skills and serving their country. “It’s an opportunity to lead men, and lead this country,” Esparza says. “It’s something I never thought I’d do, but I’m glad I’m doing it.”
