Nearly 200 graduate from Academy Prep School

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica Ward
  • Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Before the Academy said goodbye to the Class of 2013, its Preparatory School held its graduation ceremony May 21 in the Arnold Hall Theater here.

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 from the Prep School in 1972.