Lake Station student Christopher Szostek was recently nominated by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, to attend three military academies - the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military (West Point) Academy.
The son of Lake Station Councilman Garry Szostek, Christopher is a senior at Thomas A. Edison High School and maintains a 3.8 grade point average.
“I would like to major in either biology or aeronautical engineering," he said. "My ideal career is one which gives me the opportunity to do something that I am passionate about, and one that gives me the opportunity to change the world,” he said.
Szostek believes each of the academies will give him the resources he needs to make a difference.
“A military academy is a school in which one must balance the physical and emotional stress from learning to be a soldier, with the mental stress of one of the most academically rigorous schools in the country,” Szostek said.
“One cannot make it through a military academy if they do not have a high degree of character, integrity, and drive. Its ultimate purpose is to develop the best officers our country has to offer.”
In addition to being an accomplished baseball and football player, Szostek serves as president of Edison’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
He is a member of Student Council and president of Future Eagle Educators, and volunteers for the city of Lake Station.
“I have volunteered my time by helping with the city’s Halloween in the Park since seventh grade, and have helped with the Haunted Hay Ride for three or four years.”
“I have also been involved in raising money for charities and the annual food drive through our school’s Student Council,” he added.
To nominate someone for this feature, contact kimberly.a.cheek@gmail.com.
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