Published: June 20, 2008 10:21 pm      

PROFILE: NFHS grad flying high

Chris Ganczewski is attending air force academy

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.”