Grad accepted at academy prep school

Skyler Wuest, a 2022 Goessel High School graduate, has been accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado.

Wuest will report in July to the 10-month program, offered to only 200 students. He hopes to serve in the Air Force and specialize in cybersecurity or aviation.

The selection process consisted of physical fitness tests, interviews, and a nomination from a congressional office or the White House. Each cadet must demonstrate an aptitude for leadership and personal integrity in addition to having met physical, academic, and military requirements.

“Although I knew how low the acceptance rate was to the Academy, this was the only school I had a passion toward,” Skyler said. “I made the decision not to apply to any other schools and gave myself no other option but to succeed.”

The process began a year ago when Skyler was interviewed by Rep. Tracey Mann. He received word in March that he was accepted into the academy and in June that he had secured a spot on its basketball team.

“During the four years of attending Air Force basketball camps in junior high and high school off-seasons, it was always my dream to be accepted and play on the basketball team,” he said. “My experiences and connections with players and cadets sparked a desire to do whatever it took to achieve my goal.”

The team usually plays a 26-to-32-game schedule against junior colleges, college junior varsity teams, and military base teams.

“Skyler has always been a hard worker whether in the classroom or on the court,” Goessel coach Curtis Guhr said. “I am so proud of Skyler and excited for him to continue to get to play basketball at Air Force.”

His high school advising teacher, Crysta Guhr, added: “I’ve always known Skyler to be multi-talented, goal-driven, and have a tremendous work ethic. So attaining acceptance into the Air Force is no surprise. He is ready to pursue the excellence that Air Force requires.”

After a year in prep school, he likely will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy’s main campus in Colorado, an education valued at more than $425,000, and earn a commission as an officer in the Air Force upon graduation in 2027.

“I’m excited,” he said. “This is something I’ve been working toward for a long time.”

About 80% of cadets who attend the prep school, established in 1961, are offered appointment to the academy.

Cadets, who wear Air Force uniforms, are expected to maintain military standards, and are subject to the military’s Uniform Code of Military Justice.