One year ago, Santa Clarita’s Micaela Baljet joined 12 of her peers to celebrate a remarkable achievement: an appointment to one of our nation’s military service academies.

After finishing up her time at Academy of the Canyons, she returned to our district as an Air Force Academy cadet to deliver a message to the newest class of appointees:

“There are many struggles and triumphs ahead of you, but as you face each day remember that you chose the path of service and not one of selfish pursuits. Each mile you run, test you study for, and meal you march to is not for you but for the airmen, guardians, seamen, marines and soldiers you will one day lead.”

Each year, some of the finest young men and women in our community make the same choice Micaela did — to serve our country by attending one of America’s military service academies. It’s one of the highest honors a student can achieve, and one of the most........

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