“Alex has a can-do attitude, which not everyone has,” Air Force instructor Gregory Sevening said of Alexander Sztajerwald (seated). The youth said earning the appointment is the fulfillment of a dream that began in eighth grade.
Seneca High School senior Alexander Sztajerwald will report in July to the United States Military Academy at West Point as an appointed cadet for the class of 2028, the first in school history.
It’s a dream that began in eighth grade after Sztajerwald got a suggestion from his mom, Dagmara Kukuczka, who told him he could learn how to become a good leader at the academy. When he got to Seneca, Sztajerwald inquired about the school’s Air Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.) program.
Seneca High School senior Alexander Sztajerwald, a United States Military Academy at West Point cadet, looks on as his mom, Dagmara Kukuczka, chats with Principal Bradley Bauer.
At freshmen orientation, Sztajerwald met two people who’ve made an impact on him at Seneca: Air Force instructor Gregory Sevening and Master Sgt. John Brooks, both now retired.
“Alex has a can-do attitude, which not everyone has,” Sevening noted, adding it’s been humbling and proud to watch Sztajerwald grow over the years. “I know what it takes as a retired Air Force veteran, and Alex has what it takes.”
And while the student has come far with his hard work, Sevening stressed that the next step in his military journey won’t be easy. But as a veteran, Sevening says he feels safe knowing Sztajerwald will be one of those upcoming leaders protecting “all of us.”
Sztajerwald accepted an offer to become an appointed cadet in March, through a phone call from Congressman Andy Kim, who nominated him after multiple interviews. That makes Sztajerwald Seneca’s first appointed West Point cadet.
Sevening and Brooks held a signing ceremony for Sztajerwald with his family at Seneca.
“We are very proud of him and the fact that he chose to serve our country,” Kukuczka noted of her son’s appointment. “The road will not be easy; he knows it. Cadets report July 1 for a six-week Beast program and start academic classes immediately after.
“No summer break for this senior.”
Seneca High School senior Alexander Sztajerwald, a United States Military Academy at West Point cadet, with his parents.
Sztajerwald is currently the corps commander of Seneca’s AF JROTC. He is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 47 and an American Legion Jersey Boy State attendee with numerous accolades. Sztajerwald is also a member of the National Honor Society enrolled in AP classes. He also was offered a National Army ROTC scholarship before deciding to join West Point.
