CAPE CENTRAL SENIOR WILL ATTEND WEST POINT ACADEMY

Cape Girardeau Central High Senior Ryan Woods faced a tough choice: attend the United States Military Academy at West Point or the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Woods had been accepted at both academies, but West Point's history and tradition won out.

He is among 1,000 students selected from about 12,000 applicants for admission to the school.

"I think my diversity was my strong point," Woods said. "I have good grades. I'm a good athlete, and I belong to all the clubs."

Woods leaves Cape Girardeau for the academy June 22. Formal activities begin June 28. Woods is arriving early to try out for either the swimming or soccer team.

Being accepted at West Point was no easy task. Not only is the school highly selective, Woods said it requires of applicants a lot of "red tape" for admission.

But he said completing all the requirements made him sure he wants to attend a military school.

A visit to the West Point campus in March convinced Woods he made the right choice. "I saw the structure and the lifestyle," he said. "It's tough out there, but I'm really excited.

"West Point seemed so interested in me," Woods said. "When I mentioned I was interested in flying, they explained they had a flight program. But I was undecided until I took the trip. West Point has so much tradition and so much prestige, and that's what I wanted."

When Woods was in ninth grade he began thinking about which college he might want to attend. He thought a military academy would be a good choice for him.

"I like working hard and I like structure," he said, adding that a military career offers both.

After completing four years at West Point, Woods has a six year commitment to the U.S. Army.

"In my junior year I started the process of applying," he said.

He is interested in flying, making the Air Force Academy a good choice. But Woods is also interested in becoming an engineer. "Engineering is what West Point is known for."

At Central High School, Woods competed in soccer, swimming, cross country and track and field. This fall he participated in both soccer and cross country at the same time.

"I guess I'm good at managing my time," he said.

In addition to sports, Woods is involved in National Honor Society, Beta Club, Lettermen's club, Spanish Club. He was named an Academic All-American in Swimming and was named to Who's Who Among American High School Students.

Woods is also a member of Young Life and Grace United Methodist Church.

He is the son of Bill and Bonnie Woods of Cape Girardeau.