MANSFIELD — Mansfield resident Allyson Gatchall has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, according to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).
“I’m proud to announce that Mansfield resident Allyson Gatchall, a senior at Wooster High School, member of the soccer and track teams and an officer in the National Honor Society, has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy,” Brown said.
The 18-year-old is the daughter of Scott and Jennifer Gatchall, of Mansfield. Allyson was informed of her appointment on March 15.
She attends Wooster High School and the Tri-County International Baccalaureate Academy. She will graduate summa cum laude on June 5 with diplomas from both schools.
Gatchall received all-conference and all-district accolades in soccer and track. Outside of school her activities include working as a ski patroller, ski instructor, and a pilot. She plans to major in Regional Foreign Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot.
“I was honored to nominate her to the prestigious academy to serve as part of the next generation of military leaders,” Brown said. “She embodies the integrity and courage needed to represent and uphold the values of our state and our nation.”
Each year, Brown nominates up to 10 students for each service academy requiring congressional recommendations. These include the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, the Military Academy at West Point, and the Merchant Marine Academy.
The nominations are based on the recommendation of a Service Academy Selection Advisory Committee assembled by Brown.
This committee, comprised of former academy graduates, parents of academy attendees, and community leaders from throughout the state, conduct rigorous interviews before selecting the final candidates. The Academy’s Admissions Board ultimately decides who receives an appointment.
