Chris Ganczewski’s head has been in the clouds since middle school, just not the way people may think.
The 17-year-old Niagara Falls High School graduate dreamed about becoming a pilot in the U.S. Air Force one day, a lofty goal that doesn’t seem so far out of reach anymore. On Wednesday, Ganczewski will leave his hometown to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
“I’m trying to take it all in stride and not stress out about leaving,” he said Friday. “But, I never realized how short five days was until today.”
The Air Force Academy’s mission is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the Air Force in service to the country. During the academic year, from early August through May, cadets have a busy schedule of classes, study periods, military training and athletic participation.
Ganczewski must attend six weeks of basic training before starting classes in the fall, majoring in mechanical engineering.
He was nominated for the academy by Sen. Hillary Clinton and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, making him the only NFHS student to attend in recent memory. Because he needs to report early, he will miss his high school class graduation next Saturday, but has already received his advanced regents with honors diploma.
High School Principal Mark Laurrie asked Superintendent Carmen Granto and the school board to allow Ganczewski’s diploma be awarded during senior class day activities in late May.
“We didn’t want to deny him the opportunity to graduate in front of his friends and family,” Laurrie said. “He’s a pretty tough kid and one of the most courageous kids I’ve ever met.”
Ganczewski’s older brother, U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Ganczewski was killed on Nov. 16 in Balad, Iraq from wounds suffered from a combat-related incident. A day later, Chris had his nomination interview with Slaughter.
He said the death of his only brother reaffirmed his desire to enter the air force. Though concerned, his parents, Mark and Maria Ganczewski have been supportive.
“They’re completely cool with it and backed me all the way,” he said.
After researching the academy in middle school, Ganczewski focused on earning the top-notch grades and achievements needed to be among those who are not only nominated, but selected to attend. While he remained confident, he wasn’t officially accepted until mid-March.
“About four days before the appointment, I was getting really nervous,” he said. “I started to apply to other schools.”
Ganczewski said he’s excited to be leaving the area, but is sad to be saying good-bye to his friends, and a little concerned about beginning such an arduous career path.
“It didn’t sink in for me until a month ago, but it’s weird to think the next 13 years of my life are all set and planned out for me,” he said. “But you have to do what you have to do to get what you want in life.”
Local News
PROFILE: NFHS grad flying high
Chris Ganczewski is attending air force academy
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
