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Student Readies For Long Gray Line

Tribune photo bby LOIS KINDLE

East Bay High School senior Christopher Collins, 17, will soon be headed off to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is the son of James and Christine Collins of Apollo Beach.

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

GIBSONTON - Following in the steps of famous Gens. Douglas MacArthur, George Patton and Dwight Eisenhower, East Bay High School's Christopher Collins is headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

"I've wanted to be an Army soldier since I was 6," said Collins, 17. "I love history, and that's what West Point is about. It's amazing to look out over the field where so many generals and presidents have marched. It's a beautiful school."

Both sides of Collins' family have a history of military service. His father, James, is retired Navy SEAL lieutenant commander. His mother Christine's family includes a long line of French Navy officers.

"My great-grandfather won the French Medal of Honor," Collins said.

Born in Virginia Beach, Va., Collins traveled a lot as a child between his father's military transfers and his mother's vacations to France, where her half of the family resides. As a result, Collins speaks English and French.

The family - which includes brother Matthew, 15, and sister Jennifer, 11 - settled in Apollo Beach, enabling Collins to spend four years at East Bay, where he has earned a 4.75 weighted grade-point average. He is an AP scholar and member of the National Honor Society; captain of the swim and wrestling teams; and a member of the debate team.

For his efforts, Collins will receive a full scholarship estimated to be worth $300,000. In addition to room, board, tuition and books, Collins will be paid a salary and get full medical benefits.

"Everything's paid for," Collins said. "You're basically in the Army ... but not quite yet."

When he graduates, he will be obligated to serve five years. Collins wants to make the Army a career.

"Most definitely," he said. "I want the responsibility of leading others and the honor of wearing the uniform."

The people who know him expect success.

"We know he's going to excel at the academy because he's disciplined, self-directed, very focused and goal-oriented," said Kayzie Weaver, guidance resource specialist at East Bay. "West Point takes only the cream of the crop, and Chris is absolutely top-notch. Getting accepted there is like getting into an Ivy League school."

"Chris is one of the best students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching," said Dale Hueber, a social studies teacher and retired Army officer whom Collins calls his mentor. "He is inquisitive, well read and a great leader. I will miss our discussions about history and current events. He will do well at West Point and will make great contributions not just to the Army but our country as well."

To earn admission to West Point, a candidate must receive a nomination from a member of Congress or from the Department of the Army. Collins was nominated by Rep. Kathy Castor and also through a Presidential nomination because his father had served in the military 20 years.

Nominees are evaluated on their academic, physical and leadership potential. The school graduates more than 900 new officers each year and provides about 25 percent of the new lieutenants required by the Army annually.

When Hillsborough County public schools close June 4 for summer, Collins won't have much of a break.

"I'll be leaving June 30, and I'm ready to go," he said. "I'm grateful to all the teachers, counselors and coaches. East Bay's a great school."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Christopher Collins

AGE: 17

PARENTS: James and Christine Collins

RESIDENCE: Apollo Beach

SCHOOL: East Bay High School

SPORTS: Wrestling and swimming

PLANS: Attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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