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TPS Student Receives Appointment to the United States Air Force AcademyPublished: Thu, 01 Jun 2006 09:12:19 -0400 This February, TPS student Matthew Weakley was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy. His journey to this point began seven years ago when, through attending various air shows and video demonstrations, he became fascinated with flight. That fascination developed into a determination. About three years ago, he decided that he definitely wanted to attend USAFA. “I became determined to fly," says Matt. "The Academy was the best avenue to achieve that goal.” However, the journey to be accepted to USAFA was not going to be an easy one. To begin with, he had to ensure that he was competitive. “The hardest part of the application process isn’t the actual application," says Matt. "The application itself is very easy. The difficult part is actually the preparation during the four years of high school, making sure the high school resume is complete and competitive for admission.” Homeschooling uniquely helped Matt with his academic qualifications in that it nurtured his work ethic and developed his ability to teach himself. The extent of his academic success was revealed to him when he received his SAT score and found that it was a very competitive one. The primary extracurricular activity in which Matt participated in order to make himself a “whole person” was the art of speech and debate. “Depth versus breadth” is Matt’s motto, and so he strove to greatly excel in this one activity rather than dabble in numerous activities. He has received multiple team and speaker awards for his efforts. Yet another necessity for entering the academy is physical fitness. Competitive swimming has helped Matt achieve this goal as he has participated in USS Swimming. Concerning this, Matt said, “Swimming (it is argued) is one of the best overall fitness sports and has been instrumental in keeping me in shape.” All these activities and factors enabled Matt to be accepted into the USAFA. After he graduates, he will serve his ten year commitment to the Air Force as a fighter pilot, and beyond that he has no plans. When asked about the most influential force in his life, Matt replied, “My parents really have been the most influential. They decided to homeschool me and put me in the speech and debate program, and more importantly, taught me the ways of God. By equipping me with these things, they really have prepared me with the equipment necessary to succeed.” Matt would like to encourage any students interested in attending military academies to become “well-rounded, skilled in multiple areas like academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities”, and above all to “work hard and with discipline, striving for excellence.” This is especially important in the four years of high school. Matt encourages future applicants to reach above the standard.
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