Frazier graduate heads to West Point
PERRYOPOLIS — A two-year application process for acceptance to one of the most prestigious military preparatory schools in the world has paid off for a Frazier High School senior.
Ryan Ruscitti, son of Frank and Dana Ruscitti of Perryopolis and grandson of Fritz and Dolores Frazier and Roland and Mary Ruscitti, all of Belle Vernon, has accepted admission to the U.S. West Point Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) in New York.
Ruscitti, who plans to study biology, will head to West Point on July 23 where he begins training the day he arrives.
Ruscitti was nominated by U.S. Mark S. Critz, D-Johnstown, as part of West Point’s requirements.
”America’s military academies provide our best and brightest young people with the opportunity to serve their country and further their educational goals,” said Critz.
Critz said being able to nominate students like Ruscitti to West Point is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
” I’m thrilled with Ryan’s decision, and I wish him continued success at the academy and throughout his military career,” added Critz.
Ruscitti, who will graduate this month in the top 10 of his class at Frazier, said he is eager and excited to meet and exceed West Point’s rigorous physical and academic challenges.
“I feel blessed to have this opportunity of a lifetime to attend the country’s most elite military academy,” Ruscitti said.
At Frazier, Ruscitti is involved in the National Honor Society, student government, yearbook and newspaper staff as well as a member of the football team, track and field and gold teams and is an avid weightlifter.
Ruscitti is also a past recipient of the Voice of Democracy Award and Presidents’ Education Award and attended the Keystone Boys State Program on leadership in 2011 at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.
According to Dana Ruscitti, West Point had 13,500 qualified applicants this year for 1,200 appointments and 200 applicants for the preparatory school.
The preparatory school serves as a foundation to prepare selected candidates for academic, physical and military challenges as cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“We are proud of our son for his accomplishments,” said Dana Ruscitti.
West Point’s mission is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor and country.
The cadets are trained by soldiers and civilians support as they go on to represent the nation’s future military leaders.
In July, Ruscitti received the opportunity to honor his country during a bus tour he and his family participated in to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 236th birthday.
At the cemetery, Ruscitti placed roses on the grave of a renowned Army specialist who gave his life for his fellow soldiers while serving in Baghdad, Iraq.