Chatham Seniors Commit To Military Service Post-Graduation

Chatham NJ

17 June, 2022

3:15 PM

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CHATHAM, NJ — Following their graduation, three Chatham High School graduates will go on to serve their country in three different branches of service. Karen Cashel will join the Air Force ROTC program at Virginia Tech University through the Corps of Cadets. "My interest in public service drove my decision to commit to the US Air Force ROTC Program at Virginia Tech. I look forward to the challenge, and am excited to join a group of like-minded individuals," Cashel said. Andrea Murphy, Cashel's counselor at CHS, announced that she has also received the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Emerging Leader Scholarship. "This scholarship is in recognition of overall outstanding academic achievement in high school and demonstrated leadership in her school and surrounding community. Karen will also be serving as a member of the Air Force ROTC at Virginia Tech. Karen has been a motivated and tenacious student, leader and valued teammate and athlete on the track; she will be an amazing addition to the Corps of Cadets, Air Force ROTC and respected member of the Hokie family," Murphy said. Thomas Sennett has been appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, while Ezra Richman will join the United States Marine Corps. "I have always had the desire to serve and protect. Especially those who cannot defend themselves," Richman said. Lexie Pradvuik, both Sennett and Richman's counselor, spoke highly of both seniors. "Ezra Richman is a strong and passionate student who is very sure of himself and his morals. Ezra has showcased resiliency and has never been afraid to try new activities. He has also taken an active role in the Young Conservatives Club and always lends a voice to class discussions or other matters of social justice," Pradvuik said. "Tommy Sennett is an exceptional student who is hard working, personable, and empathetic. He has worked extremely hard throughout his time at CHS to maintain an impressive GPA, while also being a part of multiple honor societies...Tommy has a very warm, welcoming, and enthusiastic personality and he serves as a leader in many capacities at CHS. Tommy is the treasurer of the student council, a youth ministry leader at his church, and a LINKS peer mentor leader," Pradvuik said. Each of the three students is deeply committed to and passionate about service, school officials said. "When I was little, I was obsessed with superheroes, and I wanted to be one so badly. As I got older, I realized I just wanted to help people and make others smile, and I think West Point will provide me with a good foundation to do so," Sennett said. Chatham High School Principal Darren Groh praised these students for their decision to serve, saying, "Seeing how they have grown into fine young adults leaves me no doubt that they will serve with honor and dignity. I wish them the best of luck."