ALO Presentation

USAFA_Falcon_15

USAFA_Falcon_15

USAFA '15 Appointee
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2010
Messages
215
I've seen numerous videos of appointees having there ALO present them some kind of an award during Senior Award Night. My question is, is this mandatory or is it something you have to request that your ALO does? I think it'd be nice, and i could have family members attend, but really not a do or die kind of thing.

Thanks.
 
Many ALOs do present appointments at senior award ceremonies, it's good publicity for the Academy, and it's always fun to hear the audible gasp from the crowd when he or she says what the appointment is valued at.
 
Mine did it more or less by request. He asked if there was anyplace I wanted to be formally presented with my appointment. The senior awards ceremony was the appropriate place, so that's what we did.

Gasdoc, that gasp is pretty entertaining. I remember that quite well, as well as one of my friends in the audience mouthing a couple choice words in amazement. :shake:
 
MOST ALO's I know enjoy doing this!

I will do whatever I can to make an awards night to give out an appointment. I get to speak for about 30-60 seconds and when I'm done and folks have heard all that went into getting this appointment and what it's valued at, etc...

Last year at one school, the entire auditorium came to their feet and gave my "appointee" a standing ovation!!!

Damn near brought both of us to tears!

FYI...she's doing great as a new "doolie!"

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
OMG..that was a most amazing evening. The gasps were audible on our videotape. Nothing like we expected from the audience.. DS is a quiet unobtrusive kid. He did the USAFA application behind the scenes.
Despite the uber competitive HS (...DS is a Caucasian minority at this HS...most kids off to MIT, Ivy League, Berkeley, CalTech). No one had applied/been accepted to USAFA before. All sorts of scholarships and awards were presented that night...then the ALO with the USAFA 'scholarship'. yowza.

I have now been asked to SPEAK at the PTA sponsored college-prep-lecture program about SA's....(like I know...??)..as an alternative to the Big-Leagues. Little do they know/understand how intense this is and how the USAFA community helped and supported my child. I am no authority, but I am so proud of my DS and HIS choices. His ALO knew the fit was right. I am indebted.
 
Our high school decided last year to do away with the awards ceremony because it was "too long and boring" for the kids. They did an awards newspaper instead and listed them all.

So my ds' ALO arranged with our congressman and principal to have a small reception at our school library. It ended up being for all the congressmen's nominees to all the SA's in our district and was very memorable. Not a big audience but small and special.
 
Our DS's school also did it, and like Flieger stated ALO's are honored to be a part of it.

During that yr, great ALO's are mentors and pseudo-parents, they take as much pride in it as the candidate, parent and grand parent...not for themselves, but just knowing the service they believe in is going to be in great hands.

I have sat through 2 of these ceremonies, and I have to say it can be long and boring, but that is the school's fault. Our DS's, child 1 was about 75 minutes, and it was invite only...scholarship recipients. Our DD's, number 2 was 3 hours...it was awards and scholarship, they actually gave an award for the best Driver's Ed student...NO LIE!

They did have 1 thing in common, for SA apptmts at each hs, every one gave a standing ovation to that student. Everyone understood the levity. At both schools, these cadets were not Valedictorian or Salutorian, they were great kids with great academic records.

Back on point...if your school offers this contact your ALO if you want it. They will do everything in their power to be there. You are the lead in this issue.
 
My ALO was thrilled to drive all the way to my town, and present the award. That said, it's optional. If you get accepted - why not be proud?! The ALO's spend a lot of time on you and I'm sure they'd love the opportunity.
 
My ALO has been MIA in this whole process, and I'm almost hesitant to ask her. However, this is something really important to my family, we have a few members coming down for graduation, and I think they'd love htis ceremony. I have one with my MOC, this weekend, but my family will not be all in attendance.

I guess all I'm saying is my ALO doesn't seem to thrilled to have her position, or to see me make it this far.
 
That's a shame that your ALO hasn't been more involved. However - do ask. Especially since it's important to you!! Its her job, and she'll do it if you ask. Trust me, it's a great experience that you don't want to miss!

Don't get too down about your ALO... they're only around for a little while. (unless you have a good one who keeps up with you throughout your cadet career)
 
Ok thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to ask her then!

Yes, it's been difficult, luckily I've had a great team at the academy to help me through the process full of counselors, teachers, and cadets! I'm very excited to be there soon!
 
Thats great!! See you this summer ;)
 
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