Senior Spotlight: Southern High’s August Hein

About this series: Patch stopped by Southern High School on May 22 to speak with a few graduating seniors about their post-high school plans.

Southern High School senior August Hein said he first realized he wanted to become a pilot when he was in middle school.

The decision seems to have stuck with Hein, who will report to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado for basic training on June 25.

“There was an eighth-grade homecoming court, and they asked you future plans and I said I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy,” Hein said. “I had an idea of it before that, but that’s when I remember saying, ‘I am going to go to the Air Force Academy and I am going to be a pilot.’”

Hein said his family background also helped him decided which path to take after high school. His father went to the Air Force Academy, and for Hein, following in his footsteps was a natural choice.

While at the Air Force Academy, Hein said he plans on majoring in aeronautical engineering, with the hope of becoming a pilot. After school, Hein will owe a five-year commitment to serve, or eight years if he goes to pilot school.

“I definitely want to be a pilot, but if I can’t I will be excited to serve in anyway, whether it’s a doctor or cleaning the bathroom—hopefully not that though, that’s at the bottom of the list,” Hein said with a laugh.

During his four years at Southern, Hein played bother soccer and lacrosse. He said attending a smaller school like Southern allowed him the opportunity to play sports, which he was grateful for.

While after high school graduation, most college-bound students have an entire summer of fun before college, Hein’s summer will come to an abrupt end when he reports to basic training on June 25.

“I am bummed about leaving summer early after senior year, but I am excited to go and start that new chapter of my life,” Hein said.

Check back for more senior profiles with Southern High School students.