Lukas Simko will graduate this year from Xavier and head off to the United States Air Force Academy.
His father Stephen graduated from Xavier in 1991 and from the Air Force Academy in 1995. Stephen is a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and still serves in the Reserves.
But this goes well beyond a “like father, like son” story. This is “like father, like mother, like uncle.” Lukas’ mother, Colonel (Ret) Gigi Simko, graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1996. His uncle, Gigi’s brother, graduated from the USAFA in 1998.
“Lukas is the epitome of the military child,” Gigi said. “He attended seven schools, including four different schools in four consecutive years, and managed to thrive in the midst of all that change. He made USAFA a goal years ago, and after tons of hard work, he reached it. We are so proud of his resilience and perseverance, and excited as he embarks on this new adventure.”
Simko said it is has been a dream of his for a while, actually a long while.
“I’ve never been able to picture myself going anywhere else for college and am thrilled that I will be able to call USAFA my home for the next four years,” Simko said.
He said Xavier has helped set himself up for such a challenge. In the spring semester he is taking four Advanced Placement courses.
“Inside the classroom, Xavier has undoubtedly set a foundation in me for what attending a rigorous institution will entail,” Simko said.
“In terms of structure and challenge, Xavier has and still continues to prepare me to take on USAFA. Outside the classroom, attending Xavier has served as an example of an institution that I am proud to attend. I share this same sense of pride for USAFA.”
He also had a sense of pride when he put on his father’s USAFA jacket from the Class of 1995, knowing soon he’d be getting his own.
“I could almost imagine where he was 30 years ago now, and the excitement, and realizing it was all coming together and knowing what I had to do to get ready.”