Appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Leah Cook Plans to Major in Astronautical Engineering – April, 13, 2022
Leah Cook, a senior in our Engineering & Robotics program, has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While the application process to the Academy required a congressional nomination, Leah received nominations from Congressman Jim McGovern and Senator Ed Markey.
Each member of Congress is allowed to have a maximum of five cadets attending the Academy at one time. For each cadet vacancy that occurs, the member may nominate up to 10 candidates to be considered for appointment. Vacancies occur when cadets graduate or leave prior to graduation. A nomination does not guarantee acceptance into a service academy. The Academy’s Admissions Board ultimately decides who receives an appointment.
Leah, 17, the daughter of James and Moira Cook of Blackstone, received the appointment on March 16th. She is our Student Council President, Varsity Track and Field Captain, and a member of our Varsity Soccer team. In addition, Leah has served as the Class Historian for the last two years, is a National Honor Society Delegate, competed in Model United Nations, and received the Commonwealth Award for Student Council the previous two years. She has a Co-op at Columbia Tech and won a gold medal at states last year in the SkillsUSA Skill Demonstration competition.
Leah will graduate from our Engineering & Robotics program with her vocational certificate and diploma this May. She plans to major in Astronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy next year and become a fighter pilot. Leah will start basic training on June 23rd.
“We’re proud to announce that Leah Cook has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. “Observing this student for four years, I am not surprised by her nomination to the prestigious Academy. She will serve as part of the next generation of military leaders embodying the integrity and courage needed to represent and uphold the values of our state and our nation.”
The United States Air Force Academy is one of the top universities in the country, developing outstanding leaders and officers of character who exemplify courage, dedication, and a desire to serve others as they make a difference in the Air Force, Space Force, and the world.
