CHICAGO (June 9, 2003)

For years Mario Bullock has had his sights set on being counted among the best of the best when it comes to academic achievement. So it came as no surprise to teachers at Leo High School that the valedictorian of its class of 2003 was accepted to join the illustrious ranks of the U.S. Military Academy.

“Mario is a smart student who successfully maintained his grades while excelling in extra-curricular activities. We are proud of him,” said Robert Kman, Leo High School’s assistant principal and its director of guidance.

“My father told me it was a great opportunity that I shouldn’t pass up, so I made the decision a few years ago to apply,” said Bullock, 18, a resident of Dolton, Ill. “I wanted to attend West Point because it offers graduates a wide range of opportunities.”

Bullock sowed the seeds for West Point a few years ago while attending a National Student Leadership Conference in New York City. It was there he met Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) and informed him of his desire to attend West Point. Bullock stayed in contact with the elected official and convinced him to write a letter of recommendation to West Point on his behalf.

“Gaining acceptance into West Point is an important step in my educational journey,” Bullock said. “I plan to stay focused and learn all I can.” While at Leo High School, 7901 S. Sangamon St., Bullock successfully juggled academics with athletics as a member of the cross-country team for three years and the track team for four years.

West Point has educated famous military leaders such as Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Norman Schwarzkopf. In addition, numerous elected officials, including two U.S. presidents, count themselves among West Point alumni.

Although West Point is committed to producing commissioned leaders for the U.S. Army, Bullock said he does not have any plans to become a career military man.

“I plan to explore my options at West Point,” said Bullock, who has an interest in computer science but continues to evaluate his options for an academic major.

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago play a critical role in the life of the community by providing academic excellence and faith formation for 117,229 students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in the 290 elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. There are more than 6,400 teachers in the Catholic school system who instill values, teach discipline and achieve strong, consistent academic results in the Archdiocese of Chicago's 248 elementary and 42 secondary schools. Visit the Archdiocese of Chicago Website at http://schools.archchicago.org