Princeton, NJ – On Saturday, May 5th, Hun School junior Christopher Cardinali ’13 was awarded the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award at the United State Military Academy at West Point. Nominated by the faculty of The Hun School of Princeton, Chris was honored for his demonstration of exceptional performance and potential in the areas of academics, athletics, and community service as well as his leadership ability. Chris was one of 125 students from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York to be recognized. At the ceremony, he was joined by his parents, sister, and freshman year English teacher Charles O’Brien.
Following the acceptance of the Eisenhower Award, Chris
was offered a tour of the Military Academy. “Being at West Point, you are struck by the character and history of the
Academy. It makes you proud to be an American, knowing that the cadets are being groomed for leadership – that
through their own discipline and character they will be called upon to lead other men. I try to hold myself to
similar values of scholarship and service.”
As a student at The Hun School, Chris has earned high
honors every semester since he first entered the School. He is currently running for the post of Student Government Vice President and will be a four-year member of the School’s varsity football team, where he hopes to make an impact as a player and a leader.
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“Chris epitomizes the type of student that this award
honors, blending together high achievement in academics, athletics, and leadership. He sets an example for
everyone around him, and I endorsed his selection unhesitatingly,” said Mr. O’Brien.
In the community, Chris volunteers with the Pop Warner
football team in Monroe Township, New Jersey coaching seventh and eighth grade students. He also volunteers with the non-profit organizations Tuesday’s Children and Voices of September 11th, working with the families of the victims of September 11th – a cause
very dear to him.
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“My grandmother was a victim of 9/11. The families that we support exhibit strength through their adversity. It’s
inspiring,” said Chris.
He hopes that his volunteerism imparts inspiration to
others. “Football provides life lessons, and has helped me to develop as a man,” Chris said. “The work I do with Pop Warner and at Tuesday’s Children and Voices is a way to give back.”
Chris appreciates the opportunities he has been afforded,
and credits his family, coaches, and teachers as role models in his life. “My family has provided me with wonderful examples. They have worked for everything that they have, and my work ethic and values come from them.”
