Senior Spotlights

For his entire life, Daniel Sanders’ family instilled in him the importance of service. His parents modeled it for him, and he practices it every week at church. Now, the Marine Creek Collegiate High School senior will serve his country.

Daniel is part of a select few graduating seniors who will get to attend the United States Air Force Academy. 

He is part of a legacy of military service. His uncle was in the Air Force, his dad was in the Army, and his grandfather was in the Navy. At the academy, Daniel will study aeronautical engineering.

On top of the requirements to get a degree, Daniel will also go through all the Air Force training. Upon graduation, he will accept an assignment.

He has one major hope — to fly. 

Daniel has always been fascinated by planes, so he knew for a while he would pursue engineering. Now, he hopes to one day work for Lockheed Martin or NASA. 

Of course, Daniel has career ambitions. He wants to become a successful engineer, graduate from the Academy, and serve his country. But his legacy matters more.

“I want to be remembered as a guy who loved to serve others,” he said. “If I did that, then I think I did it right.”

His parents always encouraged him to volunteer and help others. While there is a history of military service in his family, Daniel said his family wanted him to experience all kinds of service to others. 

At church, he helps with the children’s ministry and the media team, which helps produce livestreams of the services.

He leans on his faith as he embarks on his next chapter. Daniel is calm and ready to begin the academy, despite the challenges that await him.

“Because of my faith in Christ, I know where I’m going after I die,” Daniel said. “I’m really not afraid.”