WARSAW — The Warsaw School Board took a moment to recognize Warsaw native Collin Parker during last night’s board meeting.

“Seventeen years ago I began my journey at Harrison Elementary,” explained Parker, “I started reading in Mrs. Carlson’s kindergarten class. I was in Mrs. March’s first grade classroom on Sept. 11, 2001, when I learned of the tragedy that would forever change the world and serve as a catalyst to my commitment as a soldier and this great nation. I studied US History with Mr. Robertson and learned about our countries selfless leaders who paved the road for a kid like me to realize the American dream. It was the support and kindness of the great people at both Lakeview and Harrison that led to my application of the Duchossois Scholarship to the Culver Academies.”

Parker received the Duchossois Scholarship and attended Culver Military Academy where he continues to serve as alumni class president. After high school, Parker’s lifelong desire to serve took him to the US Military Academy at West Point where he earned a Bachelor of Science in management and concentrated in systems engineering. While at West Point, Parker led 1,100 cadets as the Regimental Executive Officer and spearheaded the world’s largest undergraduate policy conference.

This May, he graduated sixth in his class of nearly 1,000 students and commissioned as an Aviation Officer in the US Army.

Next month, Parker will depart for Beijing, China, to attend graduate school as a Schwarzman Scholar. Upon earning his Masters in Global Affairs, Collin will attend officer training and helicopter flight school in Fort Rucker, Ala.

“I’m honored by the special recognition from an organization that has been so supportive for as long as I can remember,” said Parker. “I am forever indebted to the wonderful faculty at Warsaw Community Schools for making these opportunities possible.