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Prep School cadet candidates honored for achievement

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Dozens of cadet candidates at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School were recognized for their achievements in a rope ceremony at the Academy Community Center Theater Oct. 15.

Selected cadet candidates were given ropes symbolizing excellence in military training, athleticism, academics, or a combination of the three, throughout this academic quarter.

The military training rope, known as the Commandant's Rope, is awarded to cadet candidates scoring in the top 10 percent of their class in room inspections, military bearing, and drill and ceremony.

The athletic rope, known as the Athletic Director's Rope, is given to cadet candidates scoring in the top 10 percent of their class in physical training tests.

The academic rope, known as the Dean's Rope, is given to cadet candidates maintaining a 3.5 GPA this quarter.

Master Sgt. Tanya A. Seales, an Academy military trainer for Cadet Candidate Squadron Charlie, said the most coveted ropes are the Vice Commander and the Commander's Ropes.

"So you have the Vice Commander's Rope, and that's awarded to cadet candidates who have outstanding performances in two out of the three [Prep School subjects]," she said. "And then if you have all three, which is the most coveted rope, that's the Commander's Rope. And that shows everyone you earned three out of those three mission elements. It's very prestigious for them."

This quarter, two cadet candidates qualified for the Commander's Rope. Cadet Candidates David Clement and Daniel Payne credit hard work, support from their military training officers, and Academy military trainers and wingmanship, within their squadron, for their success.

"I wouldn't have been able to do this without all the help I've received here," Clement said. "Whether from my AMTs, my MTOs or the other cadet candidates - everywhere I go I just get help if I need it. You have to drive yourself to go after to get it."

Payne said he's now in a position to help other cadet candidates achieve the Commander's Rope in the remaining three quarters of the academic year.

"There's a sense of, 'You've achieved this, so I'm going to go to you if I want to do so,'" Payne said. "I had people help me out, so in turn I'll help others out."

Second Lt. Devin Hightower, MTO for Cadet Candidate Squadron Charlie at the Prep School, said Payne and Clement deserve the ropes.

"If you just talk to them, they're both really good people," Hightower said. "They're really on top of their stuff. And they're people who are going to be really good leaders in the future. Not that they aren't already - they really are. They're the kind of cadet candidates who really step up and get things done."

Col. Gerald P. Szybist, the Prep School commander, spoke at the ceremony of his pride in the 229 cadet candidates remaining in the program. The class has an average GPA of 3.03.

"I'm proud of you as a class," Szybist said. "Athletically, almost 75 percent are already within physical fitness standards. That's really good, I'm proud of you. But I'm more proud of you that you're still here. You're putting everything you've got, day in, day out. This is not an easy ride but you're here, you're doing it. I appreciate what you do every day. You bring tremendous value to this Air Force. You've got a great future ahead of you."