Lynn Classical senior to attend U.S. Air Force Academy

Kyle McCarthy was not one of those kids who always wanted to fly.

“A lot of people whom I’ve talked to said this had been their lifelong dream,” said McCarthy, a senior at Lynn Classical who has received an appointment from the U.S. Air Force Academy to attend the military school.

“With me it was different,” he said. “A family friend recommended it to me. I did some research on it, and I was instantly intrigued. It was a neat experience to find out about it later than usual. It was only last year.”

A lot had to happen between last year and this year. He began the application process last August, and went through the offices of Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, as well as Rep. Seth Moulton. He received his actual acceptance notification in March, and it was announced last week by Moulton.

He said Classical was 100 percent on board and supportive with his endeavors.

I had to do a physical fitness test, and Mr. Devin (Bill Devin, Classical’s athletic director) proctored it for me.”

McCarthy played golf and ran track while at Classical and Jack Morrison, his golf coach, spoke glowingly of him.

“I could not have asked for a better kid or a better captain,” Morrison said. “He was the ultimate captain. A team player who picked up the younger kids and did everything that was expected of him — and always with a smile on his face.”

“Kyle is a kind, respectful young man who has done a great deal in the Classical community and beyond,” said Amy Dunn, principal. “It’s a great honor having someone from the Classical community be a part of the Air Force Academy and they couldn’t have picked a more upstanding student.”

Jess Dormady, his advanced placement history teacher, also endorsed him.

“I honestly cannot speak more highly of him.  He is one of the hardest working students I have ever taught, and it shows in his academics,” she said.

“I know he will make an excellent addition to the USAF Academy,” he said.

McCarthy said he chose the academy “because of the opportunities it had to offer. I was looking for some place where I could give back both to my community and to my country.”

When he graduates in four years, he will be a commissioned officer in the Air Force and have a five-year commitment to active duty.