Our School

As a high school senior, the decision to apply to the Air Force Academy is not one that is made lightly. After years of hard work, self-discovery and discipline, Nathan DiMatteo ’23 was appointed into this prestigious program at Honors Convocation by 1st. Lieutenant Jeremy Johnson, an Intelligence Officer from the United States Air Force. This opportunity is equivalent to a four year full ride scholarship at a top tier university with an estimated value of over $400,000.

Appointments to the Air Force Academy are extremely competitive.  Over 15,000 qualified students applied this year. Only 1150 were appointed to enter the academy. Applicants must excel at academics, athletics, leadership and service. They must also secure a nomination from a member of congress, the Vice President or the President of the USA.

“80 applicants came from Connecticut alone,” said Nathan. “Only five are chosen. Senator Chris Murphy’s office called and gave me the news originally. This is a school that takes the best of the best. To be chosen as one of those people was truly amazing.”

To develop as leaders, enrolled cadets take part in a wide variety of programs including flying aircraft, freefall parachuting, competitive athletics, military training and foreign exchange programs around the world. At the same time, they will attend classes ranging from aeronautical and electrical engineering to history and political science. At the end of the four years, Nate will have earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. He will also be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

“Once I graduate, I might try to be a work as a pilot or in the intelligent field for the Air Force. I got into this because I wanted to be the best version of myself. Everyone at Holy Cross pushed me to be that. This opportunity is going to put me in a world that I have never been in before.”

Nate recently reflected on his time at Holy Cross High School in a speech delivered at Baccalaureate Mass. Listen to the full speech below.