Outlasting the 'Beast'

Whitefish High School has a history of graduates who have gone on to top universities, Ivy League schools and military academies. In fact, it continues to produce such graduates. Last year alone, Whitefish High School proudly boasted five appointments to military academies.

One such appointee to the United States Air Force Academy was home for the holidays and was able to share some of his experiences. Patrick McGunagle left for the academy in mid-June and was happy to be back in Whitefish after five long months.

Those five months did not pass without some influence.

"I've never been pushed to my limits or discovered how important sleep is as I have at the academy," McGunagle said. "I have never learned so much about myself and how to relate with other people in a leadership role. I strive to reflect the academy's core values of 'integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.'"

McGunagle chose to attend the Air Force Academy last year after receiving appointments to both the Air Force and Naval academies.

"I chose to go to the Air Force Academy to 'find' myself, in a sense, by acknowledging what I stand for, while pushing myself to discover my limits, in an environment that can only foster my development into being the best I can possibly be," he said.

Indeed, the motto for the Class of 2013 is "Best to be seen."

Life at the academy, put lightly, is hard. McGunagle said that "Beast," or basic training, the initial month and a half of intense training, was by far the most difficult for the cadets.

"You come from being the 'star' of your high school, in a sense, to just being as good as the next kid," McGunagle said.

Basic training involves rigorous schedules of physical and mental challenges, little sleep and minimal contact with family and friends. Once past basic training, freshman cadets enroll in their academic classes.

McGunagle is currently taking Advanced Chemistry II, Advanced Placement Calculus II, Russian, English, water survival and behavioral science.

"Russian is cool because all the teachers have real-world experience, and the course is very colloquially-based," he said. "I also enjoy water survival because nothing beats having some drill sergeant trying to drown you for an hour and a half every other day."

Of his assigned courses, McGunagle said his chemistry class is by far the most difficult.

"It is just ridiculous," he said. "I never took AP Chemistry to begin with, and I was assigned Advanced Chemistry II. That says a lot about Whitefish High School curriculum."

McGunagle agreed that in the way of preparation, Whitefish High School prepared him quite well, especially in the areas of earth science, physics, math and government.

"I wish I could have started Russian in high school," he said. "Then again, I doubt strategic military languages would top a high school's curriculum agenda."

Despite the difficulties of freshman year, McGunagle said he's still glad he's at the academy.

"The first year is inherently the worst, but yes, I am glad I'm there," he said. "There's a lot of pride and a strong sense of purpose. I like that. Plus, although it's quite the challenging lifestyle, the mentality is still very work-hard, play-hard. And in Colorado, ski season starts in early October. That's a huge plus."

McGunagle is considering a future major in civil and aerospace engineering, and might even go on to dental school.

As for advice for prospective students, McGunagle said simply, "Remember who you are and do not forget your goals. The academy lifestyle is not for everyone, and motivation is key. And as with any life decision, make sure to be satisfied in whatever you choose to do."