Getting into West Point Military Academy wasn't easy, but for Corvallis High School graduate Craig Aman, that was kind of the point. Aman was looking for an academic experience that was about much more than just rigorous class work.

"I wanted to develop myself, my character and my abilities," he said. And he saw the academy, which trains men and women to be officers in the U.S. Army, as the place where he could really push himself.

Aman was the first in his immediate family to be involved with the military and his family, while enthusiastically supportive, was concerned about their son's decision to pursue an education that could eventually lead him into dangerous situations. Mom Geri was especially worried.

"A parent couldn't be prouder, but I was a bit emotionally concerned," she said.

"There was always that concern, and it's even more so now that graduation is around the corner," Aman said.

Applicants for West Point must demonstrate a strong academic record, a history of leadership and involvement in school and community activities, and be given a congressional appointment. Aman was appointed by Sen. Gordon Smith, and his experiences on the high school track and football teams, National Honor Society and Mr. Spartan also helped land him a place in the Class of 2009.

A spring break trip to West Point, which is located along the Hudson River in New York State, convinced Aman that he wanted to be a cadet. In the fall of 2005, he realized that ambition when he found himself in the halls of the academy, which was founded in 1802. Its legendary graduates include generals Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight David Eisenhower and Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.

Aman's demanding academic curriculum ranged from the Rules of War to cultural awareness, but he also had to balance those obligations with his leadership and athletic commitments.

"It was the most diverse realm of opportunities I've ever seen," he said. "This is the premiere leadership institute."

After graduation, Aman will have about a month's leave before he attends basic officer leadership training, followed by five weeks of medical training in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Aman plans to be a medical service officer and, based on order of merit, he will have his choice of service location. He's considering Fort Lewis, Wash., as well as postings in Hawaii and Italy.

Aman will supervise 30 medics and will travel wherever his unit is stationed. He will be required to serve five years of active duty and three years of inactive reserve status. Aman is waiting to decide whether he'll stay in the Army for his entire career or whether he'll pursue his love of environmental science and return to the Pacific Northwest.

"I am waiting to see what experiences I have," he said.

What he'll miss most about the academy, he said, are the relationships he forged with fellow cadets.

"(I'll miss) the proximity to all the individuals I've grown and developed with," he said. "When we do break apart, we'll have to find a way to maintain (the friendships) or find new relationships."