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Six Fayette students bound for Air Force Academy

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

Six Fayette County students have been accepted at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“With respect to the number of Air Force Academy appointments, Fayette County has been in the top five counties in the nation for over a decade,” said Col. Scott Smith, local Air Force Academy representative. “This is certainly a tribute to our schools, teachers, and community.

“Chuck Husaker, Academy liaison for Congressman Mac Collins, has been especially instrumental in getting our applicants the nomination required to be considered for an appointment,” Smith added.

This year’s appointees include Robert B. Jones of Landmark Christian School; Jay Page, Austin Bergstrom, and Kirk Palan, all from Fayette County High School; Darcy O’Connor of Starr’s Mill High School; and Christopher Calle of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School.

Jones excelled in tennis and track at Landmark Christian, and was a member of the Beta Club, National Honor society, and Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students.

“While he is evidently gifted, he is very teachable and eager to be challenged,” said Bonnie Wozniak, English and Humanities chair. “Robert is a thorough thinker with attention to detail.”

His parents are Adrian and Ala Jones.

Page took part in a number of organizations on campus, such as the Interact Club, Beta Club, Spanish Honor Society, and the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence, and Diplomacy, as well as the varsity soccer, cross-country and tennis team.

“Jay is a student that is always prepared for class and is conscientious in all his endeavors,” said mathematics teacher Rosalie F. McVay. “He is able to grasp concepts quickly and is eager to understand how all of the parts of mathematics join together.”

His parents are John and Julie Page.

Bergstrom enjoyed marching band, symphonic band, wind ensemble and the jazz band. He played in the 2000 Olympic Games Band. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

“Austin was one of the only students who every cared about the ‘whys’ behind what he was being taught,” said teacher Nicole Spiller. “I have seen Austin in situations that require maturity beyond what a normal high school student possesses.”

Bergstrom also was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup winner for Fayette County High School. It recognizes the extra efforts made by high school seniors to achieve excellence.

His parents are Charles and Malia Bergstrom.

Palan participated in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Georgia Governor’s Honors Program, the Fayette County High School Academic Team, was captain of the cross-country team, and participated in swimming and track.

“Of the numerous students whom I have taught over the past 20 years, Kirk ranks at the very top of the list,” said language arts teacher Christopher Craig.

“Words that describe Kirk are intelligent, assertive, dependable, responsible, disciplined, caring, confident, and determined,” added counselor Donna Banks.

His parents are Kirk and Mina Palan.

O’Connor participated in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, track, swimming, was Cadet Squadron Commander for the Civil Air Patrol, was co-editor of the school newspaper, and vice president of the Interact Club.

“My desire to be a military officer and pilot began when I learned the definition of the work ‘patriotism,’” she said. “It would be a great privilege to join the ranks of the military men and women that have gone before me.”

“Darcy has taken a challenging course of study,” said counselor Colleen Patty. “She has worked hard participating in upper level courses ... she always challengsr herself to excel.”

Her parents are Robert O’Connor and Marian Mencci.

Calle participated in football, baseball, wrestling, soccer, golf, band, chorus, and the National Honor Society.

“Chris is a member of our first four-year class and as such has had to weather the inevitable challenges any major new enterprise faces,” said principal John Cobis. “He has handled all those challenges with great grace, perseverance, and good humor.”

Calle said that “As an American citizen, I feel it is my duty to serve my country,” said Calle. “The Academies would give me the opportunity to become more responsible, more decisive, and to grow morally and physically.”

His parents are Febi and Jean Calle.