Fisher Catholic student nominated to two military academies
LANCASTER − For Justin Viau getting nominated to the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy required diligent work and determination, as well as the opportunities presented to him by Fisher Catholic.
Viau, who goes by the nickname "JJ", is a senior at William V. Fisher Catholic High School , where he plays multiple sports as a member of the football, soccer, and baseball teams.
"It was a lot of hard work and dedication," said Viau. "It started at the beginning of high school, keeping up the good grades up until now. Same thing with sports, going to a small school where I'm automatically on varsity, that prepares me and everybody else to be a fourteen-year-old playing against an eighteen-year-old, it's really hard but it pushes you to become better. In the classroom, my teachers push me to be better and not settle for average grades, but always pushing me to be better, same thing with my coaches."
In January, Congressman Mike Carey nominated Viau to the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Carey also nominated Aidan Eberhardt of Pickerington North to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Viau said that his grandfather, Dennis Minotti, was a major reason he was inspired to serve his country.
"I was inspired by my grandfather to even consider the military in the first place," said Viau.
To see the look on Minotti's face when he received his nomination was a huge moment for Viau.
"Once I got (the nomination) and told him, it was great to see him so overwhelmed by hearing that good news," said Viau. "It meant a lot to me."
With being nominated to both the military and naval academies, Viau may be facing a decision if he is admitted to both. He said that he does not currently have a preference between the two.
While he waits to be admitted, he is focused on staying on the right track.
"In school, I'm just keeping up with my grades, not falling behind," said Viau. "I'm keeping strong with my grades and then, outside the classroom, I'm working out every single day. Going to the weight room, running two miles outside every other day, just staying physically fit. Doing as much as I can to keep up."
Finally, Viau emphasized how much more difficult the process of getting nominated to a military academy is compared to applying for a regular college. He said that ultimately the effort would be worth it.
"It was hard work," said Viau. "But I think it will pay off in the end."
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Fisher Catholic student nominated to two military academies
