GAYLORD — United States Congressman Bart Stupak visited Gaylord High School Thursday and met with Mrs. Mary Trout’s government class.

He was introduced by senior Laith Samarah, the reason Stupak made the trek to the Alpine Village.

Samarah recently received a phone call from Stupak, who let him know he’d been accepted into the United States Air Force Academy.

“At first I was shocked because it is such a long process,” Samarah said. “I am excited to start a new life and because it is such a prestigious opportunity.”

With the help of Trout, Samarah prepared and delivered an introduction to Stupak, who engaged GHS students.

“It was really nice that he took time out of his busy schedule,” Samarah said. “His talk was very educational — I was very impressed by his knowledge and experience.”

Each prospective Academy candidate must go through a tedious process, in which they receive a nomination from a congressman. About 30,000 applications are received each year, with about 9,000 becoming reviewed and only about 1,200 being accepted.

Stupak said he was proud to help Samarah reach the Academy.

“(He) is an accomplished, talented and driven candidate,” Stupak said in a press release. “He will represent Northern Michigan well at the Air Force Academy. His hard work, many academic and athletic achievements and contributions to the community have earned him the praise of many in his community.”

The appointment may have been a tougher road for Samarah than most. The captain of the football team, he broke his leg during the season. Then during wrestling season, he broke his arm, forcing him to miss the state finals.

But now, it is full speed ahead for Samarah, a 3.7 grade-point average student who is a member of the National Honor Society and a community volunteer.

He will leave for boot camp at Colorado Springs, Colo. in just over two months.

“I watched the video of the boot camp the other night, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Samarah said. “Marching through the mountains and combat drills and scenarios are something that would appeal to most young kids.”

Samarah, the son of John and Anna Marie Deeter, has the dream of being a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Given his drive and determination, it is hard to bet against him.

“That’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was young,” he said. “I’m not going to settle now. I am determined to chase after my dream.”

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