Two Canajoharie High School 2022 graduates are heading to prestigious military service academies.
Evan Smida and Thomas Weingart will be attending The United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Air Force Academy, respectively.
Smida said he felt the United States Military Academy offers many opportunities for growth academically, physically, and as a leader that simply aren’t available at any other university.
“I feel the rigorous academic track, mandatory participation in a sport or physical activity of some sort, and military discipline and leadership training couldn’t be found anywhere else. While this seems like a bit much for most people, with USMA’s 17-1 student to faculty ratio and Center for Enhanced Performance, I know that I will have the support I need to succeed,” he said.
For Weingart, his uncles significantly influenced his decision to attend the Air Force Academy.
“I was always interested in flight from my uncles. One is retired in the Air Force, and another who is currently a commercial pilot,” he said. “I found great interest in the F-16, A-10 and so forth. I found that the academy not only trained the best pilots but officers of character. So I believed it would be an honor to be a part of the academy and started my application.”
Both soon-to-be graduates said the application was rigorous but worth the extra effort.
Weingart said he had to submit SAT scores, physical requirements, medical requirements, a Congressional nomination, and letters of recommendation.
“During the process, very specific deadlines must be followed while a candidate maintains a schedule of fitness, school, and extracurriculars during their day if they wish to be competitive. So the experience can be stressful, but a candidate has to learn how to manage stress and pressure situations,” he said.
Weingart said he would tell anyone interested in applying to the Air Force Academy to not get overwhelmed by the work, take a little at a time, and not get talked out of it thinking it is impossible.
“It is very possible to get into a service academy if work ethic is applied and it is seen through to the end,” Weingart said. “The service academy wants to eliminate the quitters, and just by seeing it through, you have made it a long way.”
Smida noted that there are many different parts to the West Point application, with each having its own schedule, many of which begin in the second semester of your Junior year.
“You must receive a nomination from your local Congressman and/or Senator. Their individual applications consumed a large part of my summer and early fall. You must also pass a fitness examination, be deemed medically qualified by the Department of Defense, engage in numerous interviews, and finally the basic application including numerous essays and surveys,” he said. “At the end of the day, this process teaches applicants patience and perseverance, as setbacks are almost guaranteed at some point during your application.”
Smida plans to major in kinesiology and branch into aviation for the United States Army.
“USMA has a fantastic program for kinesiology through Baylor Medical School, which allows students to gain experience working with rehabilitating their fellow Cadets while gaining a top-tier education from both USMA and Baylor,” he said. “Currently, I hope to have a career in the military before eventually either opening a private practice in physical therapy or working as a pilot.”
Smida said he would encourage any underclassman interested in pursuing a Service Academy (“Especially West Point – Go Army!”) should understand the tenacity it takes to persevere in the application process.
“While difficult, it will likely be the most gratifying process you might ever endure. The community of fellow cadet candidates, parents, and former graduates are so welcoming. They truly excite you for the future you will craft for yourself over the next 47 months,” he said.
Both Smida and Weingart plan to fly military aircraft in the future. Weingart plans to have a future career involving flying a fighter aircraft of any kind. Smida, meanwhile, hopes to branch into aviation for the United States Army.
Smida plans to major in kinesiology – the study of the movement of the human body.
“USMA has a fantastic program for kinesiology through Baylor Medical School, which allows students to gain experience working with rehabilitating their fellow Cadets while gaining a top-tier education from both USMA and Baylor,” he said. “Currently, I hope to have a career in the military before eventually either opening a private practice in physical therapy or working as a pilot.”
Both Smida and Weingart said they had a great time while attending Canajoharie High School.
“My favorite memory of my time at Canajoharie High School is likely my senior year Homecoming game; however, with my small yet very close-knit friend group that has developed over these last few years, I can honestly say that they have made every day an absolute blessing,” Smida said.
“My favorite memory at Canjo has been hanging out with some incredible friends and going to class with some amazing teachers,” Weingart noted.
Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald said it is wonderful to see these seniors get admitted to service academies.
“We are incredibly proud of all of our 2022 graduating seniors, but it is especially heartening to see Evan and Thomas get the incredible chance to further their education and serve their country,” he said. “We hope the entire extended Canajoharie community will join us in celebrating these two amazing young men.”