With 275 other young men and women from across the country, Wylie High School graduate, Cole Diaz, was sworn in as an official cadet at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York on September 12^th after a two month long boot camp. Out of the 275 graduating men and women, ten cadets were chosen for special honor. Diaz was honored as one of these ten honored plebes.

The Merchant Marine Academy is one of the nation’s most prestigious military academies, turning out Naval, Marine, and Coast Guard officers.  Diaz was also chosen as the “Accountability” person for his class.

“My job is to wake up earlier than everyone else,” Diaz said. “I make sure everyone’s up on time, present for muster, prepared for inspection, and I take accountability at musters.”

Diaz’s Company Training Officer also placed him on the “Idiot squad,” a spirit team for sporting events at the Academy.

“Our CTO makes us dress up with war paint and camouflage, or whatever he feels like, for sporting events or anything of the sort,” Diaz said. “We do anything that makes us feel like an “idiot” and makes him feel motivated.”

                Diaz’s parents, Cheryl and John made the trip to see him in, September, during “Parent’s Weekend” at the Academy.

                “We were so proud of him and all of his accomplishments.” Cheryl Diaz said.

                As a 2009 graduate of Wylie High School, Diaz distinguished himself on the Cross Country and Track teams. Coach Daren Rodriguez expected Diaz not just to succeed, but to excel at the Academy.

                “It is no surprise to me that Cole has done so well at the Academy,” Rodriguez said. “When you have a bright young man with a strong will and work ethic, you get great results.”

                Diaz will major in Marine Engineering at the academy and plans on being a U.S. Navy Seal after graduation.

Kendall Bates

Senior, Wylie High School