By Jessica Easthope
You need to move fast in the hallways of St. Joseph-by-the-Sea High School on Staten Island, but that’s not the pace senior Sal Agro has in mind.
“I’ve never been in the cockpit of a plane but heights have never been an issue for me and speed. I have a need for speed, just don’t tell my parents,” he said.
Does that line sound familiar? For Agro, ‘Top Gun’ isn’t just a movie, it’s a look into the future.’
Last month, Marine Corp recruiters hand-delivered Agro a check for $180,000, a scholarship to any four year school that offers naval sciences courses. Agro wants to serve his country as an officer.
“An officer’s job is first and foremost to lead Marines. Other than being that leader I also plan on becoming an aviator,” Agro said.
Leadership is where Agro shines. He’s taken his love for fitness and mentors other students in the gym. He’s on the lacrosse and track teams, he’s a member of the Holy Name Society, and an altar server.
“The Marine Corps’ values and being a Catholic has definitely established in my mind what it means to have honor, courage, and definitely commitment. I have conviction in what I believe and perform the way I’m supposed to at all times,” he said.
Sea’s principal Father Michael Reilly says Agro’s faith is incorporated into every part of his life.
“Sal has always been a young man of service, Christian service and national service and our school is about God and country so I’m really happy Sal is doing this,” Father Reilly said.
Serving in the Marine Corps requires a degree of physical readiness Agro has taken to an extreme. Sean Kuechenmeister, the director of student health, says Agro’s commitment to his body, mind and spirit extends far beyond what’s asked of him as a high school senior.”
“His purpose is service, and I think that it goes hand-in-hand with his Catholic faith. He’s not just doing this for the accolades and for the praise, he’s really doing this for the right reasons,” Kuechenmeister said.
In a few short years Agro will be in the air in a military uniform; a foundation of faith and service his co-pilot.
“The journey’s not done. I won the scholarship. I’m ready to go but the journey’s not over, it’s far from over, it’s only going to get harder but the payoff is huge,” he said.
Agro’s ready to prove to everyone the sky is not the limit.