Not every high school in the Lehigh Valley and nationwide can say they sent a graduate to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Catasauqua High School can now claim it has graduated two recent alumni who went on to study at the military academy.

Second Lieutenant Curtis Gardner, CHS Class of 2010, graduated from U.S. Military Academy last month, earning bachelor of science degree in management with a focus in civil engineering. Zack Panto, Class of 2013, is a second-year student at the academy, studying computer science.

Both Gardner and Panto were drawn to West Point because of a desire to serve the country and because of the school's exceptional academic and leadership program.

"I always wanted to be in the military," Gardner said. "I wanted a good education. U.S. Military Academy seemed interesting."

Panto said Gardner's acceptance into the academy sparked an initial interest in the school that only grew.

"He and I talked in the weight room," Panto said. "That put it on the map. He told me I could do it so I went for it."

During a recent interview with The Press, both said despite the small size of CHS, they understand and appreciate the quality of education they received. They said the staff provided them with the basic academic fundamentals to navigate U.S. Military Academy's rigorous program.

The support of family and friends have also provided Gardner and Panto the necessary fuel to remain focused and on task.

"They've been very supportive," Panto said of his family. "They've made themselves very available."

Although both have physically left North Catasauqua, the community will forever remain a part of Gardner's and Panto's lives.

"I've been blessed to have grown up here," Panto said. "It's a good town."

"The community is very close-knit," added Gardner. "It's shaped me into becoming the person I am."

Gardner will spend the next year at Fort Benning, Ga. From there he will spend three years stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., with the 4th Infantry Division.

Panto will serve in various leadership roles his third and fourth years at U.S. Military Academy. Beginning in the fall, he will serve as the public affairs officer of his company.

The country can rest easy knowing Gardner and Panto will be protecting the nation's freedom and safety in the future.