A local Tahoma student is celebrating the new decade knowing he will be headed to the Air Force Academy next fall to play football.

Sam Petersen signed his letter of intent to play for the Air Force on Friday, Dec. 20.

“The signing ceremony went great,” Sam Petersen’s father, Kevin Petersen, told the Covington Reporter. “We had over 100 friends, family, teammates and coaches attend.”

Sam Petersen has always wanted to go to a military academy, Kevin Petersen stated in an email. His grandfather is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served 20 years in the military. He received two Purple Hearts and received a bronze star with a “V” device for valor.

Sam Petersen’s motive is he wants to be a doctor similar to the doctors that saved his grandfather’s life.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, Sam Petersen received exciting news. He received a personal phone call from Congresswoman Kim Schrier. The Congresswoman wanted to inform the Petersen family that not only did she grant him a congressional nomination, but that he was selected to receive her Principal Nomination.

“Of the hundreds of candidates that submitted applications Sam was selected as the number one candidate and has received guaranteed admission to the Air Force Academy as long as he continues to meet the health and grade requirements,” Kevin Petersen stated. “Every member of Congress is given the opportunity to give 10 nominations — 9 alternates and only one principal nomination.”

Only the principal nomination is guaranteed admission. The academy appointment includes full tuition, room and board, a monthly allowance, and full medical and dental care. Once Sam Petersen graduates from the academy with his bachelor’s degree in 2024 he will be commissioned as an active duty Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

“This is also a real honor not only to Sam and our family but to Tahoma High School as well,” Kevin Petersen stated.