The class of 2017 is about to end the long 4-year journey of high school and leave the Kadet nest behind. But for some seniors, not all 4 years of the high school experience was spent at Air Academy High School. For a few Kadets, only 3 years were spent at Air Academy, while others may only have spent 2 or even 1 year in Colorado Springs. Being on a military base, Air Academy High School is definitely unique from the academics to the people, both students, and teachers. Every high school is different and has something unique to offer students.  Some current Kadets who have not spent all of the past 4 years at Air Academy were asked to compare their previous schools to Air Academy and this is what they said.

Ethan Powell has only spent 3 years at Air Academy as his sophomore year, he moved to Georgia. When asked about Air Academy, Powell said, “Air Academy is larger and far superior to my former school.” He also shared that “Air Academy has made strides towards acceptance and student-centered learning. Some of my favorite teachers have left but I have met so many other great students and teachers. I am thankful for Air Academy High School.”

Maddie, another current senior who has only spent a year at Air Academy High School said: “Air Academy High School is a lot easier to deal with and manage both socially and academically than my old high school.”

For me, I have been a Kadet for 2 years, spending half of my high school experience in Reno, Nevada and the other half here in Colorado Springs. Comparing my two different high schools, Spanish Springs High School  definitely had a lot more students. Most of the teachers were great there; however, the academics compared to Air Academy High School were not as rigorous. My junior year (which was my first year at Air Academy) was a very difficult transition for me because I was moving in the middle of high school and the academic level was much more difficult compared to my old school. I had to work extremely hard to get the grades I wanted. Despite the challenge, Air Academy High School has taught me so many great life lessons. Being involved in sports and having the desire to do well in school, I have become an expert at time management over the past 2 years. I have also made some amazing friends here that I hope to stay in touch with as I attend the United States Air Force Academy. Without my move to Colorado and my experiences as a Kadet, I would not be running cross country and track and field at the Air Force Academy next year.

Everything happens for a reason and I am thankful for my move to Colorado Springs and my time as a Kadet. Even though high school is coming to a close, I am proud to graduate with such an amazing class. This year’s seniors are definitely some of the best. Whether you have been a Kadet for a year or all 4 years, congrats on graduating from Air Academy High School!