Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulated Micah Tiamanini I’atala Gurr on Mar. 20 for his acceptance to the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs.
The Preparatory School, established in 1961, offers a ten-month program designed to strengthen academic, leadership, and physical skills for future officers. Admission is described as selective and competitive, with many graduates going on to notable military and academic careers.
Cadet candidates who were not enlisted before their acceptance are placed on active duty in the Air Force Reserves during their time at the school. “Congratulations to Micah Gurr on this acceptance. Micah has an exciting year in store for him, then we look forward to another announcement in a year updating his next step,” Congresswoman Amata said. “Only excellent students get this opportunity, as the Service Academies look for important marks of leadership and motivation to qualify for Preparatory School. Congratulations to his proud parents, Malaeoletalu and Shantel Gurr, as well as his teachers, and Samoana High School.”
Admission requires strong academics, high test scores, and demonstrated leadership or motivation through extracurricular activities or volunteering roles.
Congresswoman Amata nominated Micah earlier this January among six student nominees from American Samoa who submitted nine total Service Academy applications this year; he is the second nominee from this group whose acceptance has been announced.
Amata’s Chief of Staff Col. Leafaina Tavai (U.S. Army Ret.), who was American Samoa’s first service academy graduate from West Point, encourages motivated students to apply broadly across all five Service Academies: Military Academy at West Point; Naval Academy at Annapolis; Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs; Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point; and Coast Guard Academy at New London (which does not require congressional nomination). The Congresswoman said she will be pleased to highlight every academy acceptance so that American Samoa can celebrate its high-achieving students.
