231 begin Prep School journey

  • Published
  • By John Van Winkle
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  More than 230 cadet candidates began basic training at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School July 15.

The Prep School is a rigorous 10-month academic, military, character and athletic training program designed to prepare cadet candidates to earn an appointment into Academy's Class of 2020.

"I'm a little nervous but excited to start my new adventure," said Cadet Candidate Jenn Urbaniak "It will be hard but I know I'm ready for what lies ahead." 

Urbaniak, a 2015 Palmer High School graduate, applied to the Academy via the Prep School.

"The opportunities at the Academy are endless," she said. "The Academy is close to home and family and the academics are incredible. Plus, I get to serve my country.   What's better than that?"

Cadet Candidate Patricia Rosich is from Puerto Rico and attended high school in Orlando, Florida.

"I'm excited about the experience of being a cadet candidate but I'm also a little scared because this is basic training," she said.

Cadet Candidate Joseph Scott is a 2015 Lewis-Palmer High School graduate. He turned down a chance to play football for 2014 NCAA Division II national champions CSU-Pueblo to attend the Prep School. His parents, A.J. Scott and Theresa Scott are 1985 Academy graduates.

"Inside, my heart's in my belly," Theresa said after leaving Joseph at the Prep School. "After seeing Joseph stand there at attention, I knew it was time for me to go. It made me feel like he was ready. He's more ready than I am."

Fifty-five Prep School cadet candidates are prior-enlisted service members who are able to share their military knowledge and experience with those new to the Air Force.

Basic Military Training for the Prep School's Class of 2016 ends Aug. 1.