Katie Danno, USAFA Cadet, of Shenandoah Junction

On Aug. 5, former Jefferson High School student, Katie Danno participated in the Acceptance Parade at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The parade marks the official end of Basic Cadet Training and formally welcomes the new class into the cadet wing.

Acceptance is the transition from basic cadet status to fourth-class cadet, and takes place after the grueling challenge of Basic Cadet Training, but before the start of academic classes. Acceptance is marked by two events: the Acceptance Parade and individual squadron Acceptance ceremonies, where fourth classmen get their shoulder boards.

Katie gave the honor of “installing” her shoulder boards to her brother, Troy Danno who is a third-class cadet at the academy.

“Basic Cadet Training was very challenging, but it made me stronger” Danno said. She also expressed her thanks to all the people of West Virginia who helped her to accomplish this goal, especially Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and Senator Jay Rockefeller, who supported her with nominations to the academy.

Katie is the daughter of Rob and Mary Danno of Shenandoah Junction.