It was toward the end of her Advanced Placement biology class and Emily Maceri was checking her candidate portal with the United States Military Academy. When she saw the large green box that confirmed her appointment, a huge smile broke out on her face.
A good friend sitting next to her noticed and asked what was up. A buzz quickly circulated the class with the exciting news. Emily’s fellow students offered congratulations on the offer to attend West Point. “I was so over the moon,” she said. I was just in shock.”
She called her mom, dad and older sister. “Word spread very fast,” she said.
Emily, a Quakertown Community High School senior, worked extremely hard to achieve her appointment, awarded to only about 10 percent of applicants. She’s taken 15 AP classes, has a 4.39 GPA and scored 1420 on the SAT. Outstanding accomplishments! She’s also had the advantage of familiarity with Army life.
Her father is an Army Colonel and a 1996 West Point graduate. Col. Craig Maceri is Brigade Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard. Her older sister, Lizzie, a 2019 QCHS graduate, is a sophomore at West Point. Each has given her all the information about the USMA that she’s needed.
“They helped me make sure it’s what I want so I don’t end up making the wrong decision,” Emily said. “And it definitely is, especially after watching my dad.”
Her mom, Mary Maceri, said “We’ve been there so much now. She’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly.”
This is the third year in a row a QCSD graduate has received a “Certificate of Appointment” to West Point. Last year Tyler Einolf earned the honor. Emily also considered the coveted four-year Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps full scholarship. Those were earned by 2019 QCHS graduate Nathan Gruver of Lehigh University and 2018 grads Jared and Jason Susnoskie of Penn State. Another former Panther, 2016 grad Rudy Levinski, was honored last year with the Commandant’s Distinguished Leadership Award, presented to the Cadet who has provided exceptional leadership throughout the corp at Virginia Tech University.
QCSD Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner, who graduated from West Point and enjoyed a 20-year career in the Army, recommended each of these students for their appointments. He praised the students and their families for their commitment to service.
Mrs. Maceri said Dr. Harner would often attend the high school’s cross country meets and speak with Emily, who competed on the varsity cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams. He likes to check in with students to make sure they’re on track with their academics and service requirements.
Mrs. Maceri also said QCSD teachers have been “phenomenal” to her daughters, including Grace, a QCHS freshman. Emily is quick to name Mr. Auger (AP physics), Mrs. Waddell (AP calculus and AP statistics), and Mrs. Eisenmann (AP psychology), as her favorite teachers. She said AP chemistry might have been her favorite class as it incorporates “the perfect combination” of science and math.
“Emily excels and carries herself with poise while juggling multiple extra-curricular activities with her extremely challenging academic curriculum,” said Brenda Roth, her school counselor. “She is a student of integrity, academic excellence, and has the drive to succeed in all areas of life. Emily works hard in and out of the classroom and should be very proud of her accomplishment!”
In addition to becoming an Army officer, Emily plans to further her service in the medical field by becoming either a psychiatrist or an anesthesiologist. “I’m really family oriented and those professions will allow for family life, she said.
Craig and Mary Maceri couldn’t be more proud of their children. “It’s surreal,” Mrs. Maceri said. “We can’t believe we have two strong, independent women. We feel blessed.”
Col. Maceri, a 24-year Army veteran, said “Raising my right hand to support and defend the Constitution of the United States is something I strongly believe in. I couldn’t be more proud that they have found a higher purpose than themselves.”