Finishing out their last year of high school, about 50 Corpus Christi ISD seniors chose service while their peers were thinking about college or work.
On May 6, the Corpus Christi Independent School District celebrated seniors from across the district who have enlisted in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. This summer, these future service members will begin training.
Carroll High School student Derek Silva said he’s thrilled to join the U.S. Air Force. He officially enlisted about three weeks ago.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to fly,” Silva said.
Corpus Christi ISD will be sending students to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Army National Guard, U.S. Army Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.
Many of the seniors who have enlisted have family members who are veterans.
Carroll High School student Thaliana Carrizales is headed to the U.S. Navy. Though she’s participated in the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps throughout high school, she didn’t initially plan on the Navy. But she’s enjoyed what she’s been doing in school and wants to continue. She’s also excited about the prospect of travel.
Miller High School students Ethan Robles and Daniel Alvarez have both enlisted in the U.S. Army. They said that they were looking for a positive direction in life.
The May 6 celebration, hosted at Miller High School, is a new event for Corpus Christi ISD. Corpus Christi City Councilman Gil Hernandez, a U.S. Navy veteran, spoke.
He warned that it would not be easy and that danger will be present. But Hernandez said that through the Navy, he was able to travel the world and he met some of his best friends.
“You’ll enter a brotherhood and sisterhood of service to this country that no one could ever take away from you,” Hernandez said. “No one will ever question your patriotism because you serve this country, you serve this nation. And we all thank you for it.”
Aaron Preston, Corpus Christi ISD college, career and military readiness specialist, said that the students’ decision to enlist speaks to their character, values and commitment.
“At a time in life when so many options lie ahead, they’ve stepped forward and said, ‘I’m ready to serve,'” Preston said. “That decision deserves our deepest respect.”
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hear from Corpus Christi ISD seniors who enlisted in military
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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