Whiz Kid: Off She Goes...

Erin Oetting of Muskego is a senior at Muskego High School, with a standout record in academics and sports. The discipline associated with her success in those areas is why she, like Taylor Droshagen, last week’s Whiz Kid, also applied to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

With her nomination announced by Congressman Paul Ryan for several students from his district, Erin too has reached the first step in her hopes to gain acceptance to the prestigious military school.

“I really liked the surroundings of being up in the mountains,” said Erin, who visited the campus recently. “It’s the discipline that attracted me to go there.”

It may run in the family.

Erin’s mother Patty Oetting served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force and earned the rank of Master Sergeant. Chief Master Sergeant David Oetting, Erin’s father, also served 26 years in the same branch.

Erin is a member of National Honor Society and has taken five AP classes. With a score of 29 on the ACTand a weighted grade point average of 3.92, she’s taken part in cross-county and varsity track all four years of high school and played basketball through her junior year as well.

“I was kind of looking at flying but I’m thinking more of aerospace engineering,” said Erin, who hopes to learn if she’s been accepted in the next few weeks.

Although she found the nomination interviews somewhat intimidating, Erin said she was comfortable with the questions, which really just centered on who she is.

Erin describes herself as prepared, and as a leader by example.

“The AP classes got me ready for the college level courses and the expectation of doing well,” she said, “and having military parents, I’ve gone to work with them and helped them at work. When I was little we lived on a military base.”

Her mother worked in medical areas, so Erin helped with filing, she said. Still into lending a hand, Erin regularly performs community service through Peace Lutheran Church in New Berlin, and at the Waukesha Hope Center.

If admitted, Erin will be expected to report to campus June 28.

“By going to the academy, you have to serve at least seven years active duty,” she said. “After that, you are free to leave the Air Force if you’d like. I’m looking at making this a career.”