Parsippany Teen Selected to Join Air Force Academy

Some high school graduates take time off to figure “things” out. Others head off to college and spend time there, figuring “things” out. And some graduate and jump headfirst into the next chapter of their lives.

That’s exactly what Joshua Fortes is going to do.

The Parsippany High School student and soon-to-be graduate will don the Red Hawk colors one last time, then head off on June 23 for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Fortes leaves behind a strong legacy at the high school, having captained his varsity soccer team and ending his senior year in the top 10-percent of his class.

Fortes is following a family tradition having two uncles as senior Air Force commanders for the Indian Air Force. Fortes’ grandfather also served with the British army in World War II.

The United States Air Force Academy is ranked among the hardest institutions in the country to be accepted to, approving just 15.4 percent of those who apply, according to US News & World Report.

Pictured: Joshua Fortes on a visit to the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Photo Courtesy Clayton Fortes.

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