Happy Graduation

As Paul Wilson took part Wednesday evening in the graduation ceremony at Genoa-Kingston High School, he pondered one thought: This is the final stepping stone between me and the Army. While most high school seniors are scheduling summer vacations and looking forward to spending more time with friends, 18-year-old Wilson said he can't wait to be a U.S. Army combat medic. He completed the required 10 weeks of basic training last summer and was listed, pending graduation, as “on reserve.” On Wednesday, he and 149 of his peers from the Genoa-Kingston High School Class of 2008 each received their diplomas. “Graduation gives us an opportunity to conjure who we are and how we have changed,” class salutatorian Hailie Fowler said. “It's all about perspective. Appreciate the moments that make you smile and the inside jokes you have with your friends.” Wilson said his ambitions haven't changed much since he was young, because he knew early on that enlisting in the Army was what he wanted to do. “I'll be officially active as soon as I leave June 10,” he said excitedly Wednesday afternoon. “I just look at this ceremony as, really, the last thing that needs to be done before leaving.” The ambitious graduate flew home Wednesday afternoon from Georgia, where he was visiting his father, a U.S. Army drill sergeant. He was joined for commencement by his grandparents, Margo and Jack Wilson, and his brothers, 14-year-old Scott and 8-year-old Kyle. The group smiled as Margo Wilson quickly assumed picture-taking position when Paul, dressed in a black gown, walked arm-in-arm with a classmate to take his seat. “We are very proud of him,” she said, adding that Paul was born on a military base in Korea. “He raised his hand, so what can we do other than be proud? It must be in his blood.” Future career paths and endeavors are personal choices, said valedictorian Nicholas Farace, who discussed entering the “real world.” “No matter how much I dislike the (real world) phrase, it's true that this is the point in our lives when we decide whether we go to college, join the military or directly enter the workforce,” Farace said. “It's quite scary when you think about it.” Wilson said he's ready to begin the next chapter of his life. “I'm still kind of going through it all in my head,” he explained while sitting on his front porch steps before the ceremony. “I know this is the best field for me to get into. I'll be on the front lines with the ability to patch people up.” On June 10, Wilson will head to Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where he will complete five months of Advanced Individual Training to be a combat medic before likely being deployed. Although his first preference would be Germany, he believes being sent to the Middle East is inevitable, he said. “What I've always dreamt of being, I actually get to be,” he said. “I'm excited for the challenge. I've not considered anything else, because this is what I've always wanted.”

G-K High School Class of 2008 •Graduates: 150 •Valedictorian: Nicholas Farace •Salutatorian: Hailie Fowler •Graduating class number: 127 •School principal: Donald Billington