Photo courtesy of Sofia Saldana/Courtesy of EAC: From left, EAC Presidential Special Assistant Keith Alexander, EAC Student Dean Gary Sorensen, EAC Student Dean Hiram Gray, EAC Academic Affairs Director, STEM and Coalition Health Director Aaron Burke. gather outside the EAC’s Go Monsters! A mural commemorating Gray’s appointment to West Point.
Chris McBride/EAC
THATHER — Students from Eastern Arizona University will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Hiram Gray, who attended the EAC from 2021 to his 2023, will become a West Point cadet next month and credits his academic success to the EAC.
“EAC gave me the tools and qualifications to qualify for appointment at West Point,” Gray said. “If I hadn’t learned consistent skills from professors who cared about me, I wouldn’t have had the academics to survive and grow at West Point. It is not.”
Gray is the fourth of five children and the son of Clinton and Shauna Gray from Sierra Vista, Arizona. His younger brother Alonzo currently attends EAC and was recently awarded the university’s Student of the Year Award for Advanced Manufacturing. His grandfather Clinton Gray attended his EAC and played on the college’s basketball team.
Gray said he had always wanted a career in the military, but felt he didn’t have the academic background to attend a prestigious university. He credits the EAC dean and professors with preparing him for advanced studies at West Point.
“I came to EAC to recover from my low GPA in high school,” Gray said. “I have taken courses in mathematics ranging from chemistry, anatomy, physiology, EMS and even trigonometry. They coached me, talked about life choices, really taught me how to be a scholar, how to study consistently. He has taught me so much, the most amazing are the people I’ve met and EAC is a hidden gem in that respect.”
Outside the classroom, EAC faculty, staff, and the greater Gila Valley community helped Gray build the connections he needed to get into West Point Academy. EAC Special Assistant to the President Keith Alexander contacted the offices of Sen. Kristen Cinema and Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Deans Sorensen and Dean Burke wrote him letters of recommendation. Dr. Clayton Harges of the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center and Vance Bryce, Executive Director of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, also wrote and contacted to help Gray accept the appointment.
“Mr. Hiram is the first person appointed to attend West Point by Rep. Siskomani,” Alexander said. “Members of Parliament are given up to 10 nominations a year. I am proud of his appointment and thrilled to have fulfilled his role.”
Gray is one of 10 students from Arizona who will enter West Point as a cadet next month. The youngest student he is 17 years old and Gray is the oldest he is 22 years old. This was Gray’s only chance, as his admission deadline is 23 years old.
“I was working at the Gila Hanks Cafe when I got a call from Field Force Representative Major Nicole Bisacchi,” said Gray. “She said, ‘I received the booking at the last minute, but it needs to be accepted within the next day for it to take effect. Any questions?’ I expected a phone call from the senator’s office, which is always the case, so I was really surprised, but when I accepted the appointment on the phone, I was so excited. I yelled! Let’s go to West Point! ’ And all of Gila Hanks cheered. My endorphins were crazy. I remember thinking, ‘I can pull trees out of the ground right now! ”
Gray’s scholarship to West Point is approximately $350,000 and includes tuition, room, board, and medical expenses. All cadets who attend are on scholarships that must be repaid by serving in the Army.
“Hirum was one of the most tenacious students we’ve ever had,” said Aaron Burke, EAC’s STEM and Health Affairs Dean. “He just kept chasing it. He knows what he wants and he works until he gets it.”
Before Gray begins basic training, he plans to spend a few days in Manhattan with his parents and brother Alonzo. He then joined about 1,200 other West Point cadets in taking leadership and military classes taught by the country’s military leaders as part of his college coursework.
“EAC and West Point have a lot in common, such as the small classroom sizes and the willingness of the teachers to be there,” said Gray. “EAC has helped me grow. The maturity I gained here will help me a lot.”
During his time at EAC, Gray was actively involved in various activities of student life. He was Co-President of the Health Care His Career Club and was also a member of the EMS Club and the Resident Life Club. He was an FSY 2022 summer camp janitor, a resident living assistant to EAC’s Mark Allen Hall, and worked directly with the baseball team.
“Being EAC’s resident assistant has been an incredible privilege,” Gray said. “You learn to talk to people, scholarships are very plentiful, and you get a lot of study time. I highly recommend applying for those positions.”
Ms. Gray wants to major in medicine and minor in Arabic or Chinese. He has stated that his goal is to pursue a career as a trauma or reconstructive surgeon.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone considering EAC, Gray said: “EAC professors care about your success and want you to learn, so ask good questions and be consistent with your homework.”
Eastern Arizona College offers a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of college. College professors prepare students for advanced studies and in-demand careers at top universities through quality certificate programs and associate degrees. The EAC also seeks to accredit her two Bachelor’s degrees, Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
EAC Dean of Students Gary Sorensen said, “EAC prepares students for the future and most of them will be debt free.” “Our students excel in industry-related careers and in corporate areas. I don’t remember any other students from EAC going to West Point, but Hiram felt that her EAC education would benefit her.” I have confidence in the whole world.”
Register now for the EAC Fall Class: The class starts on August 21st. For more information, call the EAC Financial Assistance Office at (928) 428-8287. Call the EAC Records and Registration Office at (928) 428-8270 or register online. www.eac.edu.
About Eastern Arizona University
Eastern Arizona College, Arizona’s first community college, has been helping students realize their dreams since 1888. With campuses in Thatcher, Grove and Payson, EAC’s talented and caring instructors prepare students for the most in-demand careers and advanced studies at university. EAC offers more than 80 certificates and degrees, including Arizona’s #1 nursing school, Arizona’s only arts program featuring marching bands, and an engineering program that prepares students for success in colleges and prestigious companies. increase. Students thrive in her EAC and make lifelong friendships. EAC’s vibrant student experience includes on-campus housing, over 30 clubs and organizations, active campus activities, and nationally-ranked athletic and esports teams. At EAC, most students graduate with zero debt. EAC offers an affordable way to make your dreams come true. Contact admissions@eac.edu now or call (928) 428-8272.
