Cadet candidates earn diplomas, Academy appointments

  • Published
  • By Ann Patton
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) --  One hundred ninety-nine members of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School Class of 2010 said goodbye to 10 months of academic, military and physical training during commencement exercises May 18 in Arnold Hall here.

"It feels amazing," Cadet Candidate Michelle Ivey said of her graduation. "It has been a long ten months. But I met a lot of good people, and it was a good experience."

About 190 of the former prep school members will join other basic cadets when Basic Cadet Training begins June 24.

Before the graduates received diplomas and Academy appointments, the prep school recognized top cadet candidate performers in academics, athletics, military training and character.

Cadet Candidate Christopher Keranen received the honor of overall top graduate. Cadet Candidates Austin Halle, Anthony Pyle and Lisa Halbach earned honors for their academic, athletic and military achievements, respectively.

Col. Thomas Griffith Jr., the class of 2010 exemplar, addressed the graduates, faculty, family and friends as the keynote speaker for the event. A 1975 prep school graduate and member of the Academy class of 1979, he is now the director of the National Security Studies program and professor of the Practice of International Affairs at George Washington University.

"Adversity will affect you no matter what you do," he said, advising the class not to try and avoid it but to learn to deal with it.

Even when he was in solitary confinement as a prisoner of war during Operation Desert Storm, Colonel Griffith said he felt the presence of the teamwork he had learned to rely on in the Air Force.

"You are not going to do it alone," he said of the new experiences awaiting the members of the Academy's Class of 2014. "Rely on that team."

He further advised the graduates to always do their best, even when it's difficult to measure.

Col. Todd Zachary, the prep school commander, said this year's class has proved itself outstanding.

"It's fun to see cadet candidates grow and mature," he said. "They come in here with wide eyes and not knowing anything. Over the 10 months, it's neat to see them make their dream possible. I will really, really miss them."