Congressman John Katko (NY-24) congratulates Michael Smith on his appointment to the Air Force Academy.
Michael Smith, a member of the Christian Brothers Academy Class of 2015, recently received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
For Smith, who was planning to attend St. Lawrence University on a full Army ROTC scholarship, and play soccer in the fall, it was a dream come true.
“I received my appointment two days after graduation (May 31),” Smith shared. “Congressman Katko woke me up on a Tuesday morning to share the good news. I didn’t believe it was him at first. It was pretty exciting.
“This is something that I always wanted to do,” he added. “My aspiration is to be a pilot.”
Smith received a nomination (a preliminary step in appointment) to all three academies-the Air Force, West Point and Navy. An individual, who was appointed to the Air Force, decided not to go, which opened up the spot for Smith.
It was a whirlwind 48 hours, as Smith had to first tell St. Lawrence University that he would not be attending school there in the fall, and then, he hopped on a plane to fly to the Air Force Academy in Colorado to accept his appointment. At the Air Force Academy, he will study business management.
Smith, the son of Francis and Lisa Smith of Syracuse, was a three-sport athlete at CBA. He was an All-State, All-Region, and All-CNY soccer goalie. Smith was also a member of the bowling and tennis teams.
“This happened so fast, “Smith, who leaves on June 24 said. “I have six weeks of basic training and then I will start school. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”