Watch CBS News

Graduating Senior Chose West Point As Tribute To Immigrant Parents

WEST POINT (CBSNewYork) -- A graduating senior at West Point chose the school as a tribute to his immigrant parents.

After attending the United States Military Academy for a leadership program, Bartek Czarnik realized it was the place for him.

He never said anything to his parents, who are both Polish, but he says he attended West Point to say thank you to America on their behalf.

Graduating Senior Chose West Point As Tribute To Immigrant Parents

"Over the years, you kind of see like what America has given to them and like my family and all the opportunities, and I thought I'd give back," Czarnik said.

Czarnik will spend the fall at West Point as a graduate assistant for the football team and then head to Fort Riley in Kansas.

"I'll be serving as a platoon leader first, so hopefully I'll get a heavy tank platoon," he said.

The systems management major is ecstatic to be graduating, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported.

The public is invited to attend the West Point Class of 2015 graduation at 10 a.m. Saturday. More than 950 cadets will receive their bachelors of science degrees and be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army.

Tickets for general admission can be picked up at the Army ticket office at Gate 3 at Michie Stadium from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Friday. Tickets are free of charge.

Those who can't attend in person can watch the graduation exercises streamed live beginning at 9:30 a.m. at http://dvidshub.net/r/wervqu.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.