Kingwood High School Class of 2023 graduate William Sumner has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy is located in Colorado. Air Force Academy Cadets receive free tuition, room and board, and serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force for at least eight years after graduation.
Sumner described the application process as extensive and advises other students who want to pursue an academy appointment in the future to be as well rounded as possible.
The application process begins during the student’s junior year of high school. A key part to the process is a nomination from their state’s congressional representative or the Vice President. Each member of Congress is allowed to have a maximum of five cadets attending the Air Force Academy at one time.
The application process also includes a Candidate Fitness Assessment with a basketball throw, pull-ups, flexed arm hang, shuttle run, modified sit-ups, push-ups and a one-mile run. A student must also meet all the Air Force Academy medical standards in vision, hearing, height and weight. Official transcripts, extracurricular activities in and outside of school, a writing sample and a personal interview are also required. Students must submit three teacher evaluations and two letters of recommendation. Students also attend Summer Seminar during the summer prior to the beginning of their senior year.
Sumner will be pursuing a degree in computer engineering and plans to become a pilot. At Kingwood High School, Sumner was a member of the KHS varsity theater, a varsity golfer and is also a Civil Air Patrol Cadet and a student pilot.