Large group of Lampasas seniors dedicate future to armed forces

  • Ethan Walker receives a graduation cord from Assistant Principal Ryan Race to signify the senior’s commitment to the Navy, as Principal Paul Weinheimer looks on. Walker was one of 11 students recognized during Monday’s Armed Forces signing ceremony at Lampasas High School.
    Ethan Walker receives a graduation cord from Assistant Principal Ryan Race to signify the senior’s commitment to the Navy, as Principal Paul Weinheimer looks on. Walker was one of 11 students recognized during Monday’s Armed Forces signing ceremony at Lampasas High School.
  • Connor Kozma is presented a $180,000 check for his Naval ROTC scholarship to become a commissioned officer in the Marines after college graduation. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
    Connor Kozma is presented a $180,000 check for his Naval ROTC scholarship to become a commissioned officer in the Marines after college graduation. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
  • Principal Paul Weinheimer showcases students, from left to right, Elijah Luckenbach, Ronald Pickard, Braydon Matney and Alejandro Montiel who are joining the Marines after graduation. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
    Principal Paul Weinheimer showcases students, from left to right, Elijah Luckenbach, Ronald Pickard, Braydon Matney and Alejandro Montiel who are joining the Marines after graduation. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
  • Students Jeny Obeda, left, and Xavier Weber made their place in the U.S. Army official during Monday’s signing ceremony. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
    Students Jeny Obeda, left, and Xavier Weber made their place in the U.S. Army official during Monday’s signing ceremony. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
  • Lampasas High School students, left to right, Matthew Meeks, Charles Jackson and Cole Warren put pen to paper during Monday’s Armed Forces signing ceremony as they commit to service in the Air Force. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
    Lampasas High School students, left to right, Matthew Meeks, Charles Jackson and Cole Warren put pen to paper during Monday’s Armed Forces signing ceremony as they commit to service in the Air Force. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

    Eleven Lampasas High School seniors were recognized in a signing ceremony Monday for committing their futures to the U.S. Armed Forces.

    LHS Principal Paul Weinheimer praised students for their bravery in choosing “courage over fear.”

    “Mrs. [Penny] Wilson has been our lead counselor here for quite a while, and she has never seen this many men making this big step – this is a big-time deal for all of us here,” Weinheimer said. “No greater honor than to serve your country.”

    Mayor Herb Pearce provided brief remarks to express his gratitude for the students’ commitment.

    “Serve others, get after it, be bold, be positive, be accountable, be better than your best -- not tomorrow, but today -- and that is what you guys are doing,” he said.

    Pearce thanked students for answering the call to serve the nation and American citizens by joining the armed forces.

    “Their selfless service and devotion to our country will ensure we are able to enjoy the freedoms and liberties others around the world envy,” Pearce said. “We are blessed to enjoy those freedoms every single day because of you guys.”

    Senior Connor Kozma was presented a celebratory “big check” for his $180,000 Naval ROTC scholarship that will see him become a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps after his college years at the University of Mississippi.

    Four other LHS seniors Braydon Matney, Alejandro Montiel, Elijah Luckenbach and Ronald Pickard -- also committed their future to the Marines.

    Charles Jackson, Matthew Meeks and Cole Warren committed to the Air Force in Monday’s ceremony. Ethan Walker pledged his future to the Navy, while Jeny Obeda and Xavier Weber are set to join the Army.

    All students received certificates from Our Community Salutes Central Texas. The organization provides resources to parents and high school enlistees through the transition process into military service.