It was a proud day for Walnut Grove High School’s Jacob Allen Tuesday, April 25, 2017, when he accepted his appointment to the US Air Force Academy. U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, (R-G10) who nominated the WGHS senior for the appointment, joined Allen’s family, school officials and the WGHS swim team at the signing ceremony in the WGHS auditorium. Allen will be continuing his swimming career as a member of the Air Force Men’s Swim Team. WGHS Principal Sean Callahan addressed those in attendance, noting what an achievement it was, statistically, for Allen to receive an appointment to the US Air Force Academy.
“There are over 12,000 people who apply to the Air For of those 12,000, 1,300 get chosen, of those 1,300 that get chosen, 1,000 take the commitment. So just think about that,” Callahan said, going on to add, “And Jacob, from WGHS is one of those thousand.”
Hice said what a tremendous honor the appointment was for Walnut Grove, especially since it was the second in so many years, noting that it takes a lot for anyone to even be considered for such an appointment.
“I do want to just say that an appointment to any of our military academies is a huge deal. It doesn’t just happen it. It literally requires a full-rounded excellence in achievement – academically, physically and socially in terms in involvement in the community. And those of you who know Jacob know that he has excelled in all of those areas,” Hice said, noting that as well as swimming for the Air Force, Allen would be signing up to serve in the Air Force. “Jacob, in doing so, is committing as well to serve our country. This is without question the greatest country and it is great because we have awesome men and women like Jacob representing us.”
Family members who spoke got emotional when they added their pride in Allen and his accomplishments and fellow members of the WGHS swim team also wished him well in his appointment. Allen will be in the US Air Force Academy graduating class of 2021.
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