Harrison P. Cate was recommended by U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor and received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he will be for the next four years.

Cate arrived for duty at the academy on June 24 and now has completed six weeks basic training. He will now begin his studies in engineering as a USAF Academy Cadet.

He graduated in the top 10 percent of his Bainbridge Island High School class of 400 and Olympic Community College with his associate of arts degree in June 2022.

Cate is the son of Melissa McHugh Short, formerly of Sequim and Charles Cate, both graduates of Sequim High, and is the grandson of grandparents Brandy Cate and the late Charlie Cate of Happy Valley and Paul and Rochelle McHugh of Sequim.