South Royalton Senior
Gets USAF Nod

Josh Bauder of South Royalton High School. (Herald photo / Tim Calabro)

After a phone call from Senator Patrick Leahy, Joshua Bauder of South Royalton realized months, even years, of preparation and dreams had become a reality. He has accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, class of 2011, which includes a full academic scholarship and a monthly stipend for expenses.

Actually, Josh’s parents, Todd and Terri Bauder, received the memorable call, as he was away volunteering with the National Honor society. Terry reflected that after Sen. Leahy’s call the official packet didn’t arrive for a couple of weeks and they half-pondered if the call was real.

Major Bendowski of the Air Force Academy presented the award at a ceremony in South Royalton School.

The admissions process first required Josh’s nomination, which was fulfilled through Senator Patrick Leahy, former Senator Jim Jeffords, and then Congressman Bernie Sanders. Major Bendowski explained that this nomination is an honor alone, since each state representative is limited to five "best and brightest" nominations.

Bendowski noted that admission is a "whole person concept" with applicants at the top 10% of their class, possessing SAT scores of 1200 or better, and active in their school and community. Josh volunteered for blood drives, senior citizen Bingo, setting up states and electronics for special events, and took leadership in securing a greenway and recycling grant.

He played golf, held a regular job, refurbished a motorcycle through Community-Based Learning, participated in the Civil Air Patrol, was a 2005 Design TASC winner through high school physics, and was selected for the 2006/07 University of Vermont EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) summer camp and research project.

Josh was only five years old when the family visited the Air Force Academy while on vacation. Now he will return as a young man and student.

He is preparing for a June 27 departure for Basic Cadet Training (BCT), and is packing lightly.

"I was told, ‘No electronics, and don’t bring anything of value,’ so I’m bringing one duffle bag and will be assigned a uniform," he said. BCT involves two phases: first an introduction to the air force and drills, then into the field for an introduction to barracks, tents, and cots. He cannot return home until Thanksgiving, but his parents will visit during Parents’ Day ceremonies.