Senior Spotlight: Avery Francisco Cacal Honors Service and Family Tradition at West Point

When Avery Francisco Cacal walked across the stage at Delano High School’s graduation, he did so with a sense of purpose greater than himself. His journey is defined by hard work, sacrifice, and a dream of serving his country, just as his family has done before him. This fall, Avery is headed to New York to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) before joining USMA, also known as West Point. His ultimate goal is to join the U.S. Army as an officer, a first for his family.

“I have a long lineage of military service in my family,” Avery said. “But none of my family members have been an officer, and I’d like to honor that military service by becoming the first officer in my family.”

Avery’s military aspirations are rooted deeply in family legacy. With a great-grandfather who served in World War II, an uncle who served in Vietnam, and various family members who enlisted, the call to serve is an honored and respected tradition in his family.

“Everyone’s proud of him. But I think there’s a special kind of pride when you were in the military, and your lineage will continue on,” Avery’s mother, Aloha Francisco, said. 

The path to acceptance at West Point is extremely rigorous, with the military academy taking only about 12 percent of applicants. Requirements include a strong academic performance, strong leadership potential, physical and medical fitness tests, background checks, and a nomination from Congressman David Valadao. Each part of the process requires relentless dedication. 

“I felt that certain sense of urgency, rushing for deadlines, getting my interview done with Mr. Valadao, or getting my medical records done, and it’s just a whole process,” Avery recalled. “I feel like it was very hectic and stressful, but I’d say that stress was worth it.” 

Avery also chose West Point for the financial opportunities it brings. Knowing he was unlikely to qualify for much financial aid, Avery chose a military academy that would provide his education at no cost. He also wanted the opportunity to play soccer for the West Point team. He encourages other students also to consider applying to military academies. 

“A lot of people don’t know about the military academy route,” he explained. “Try to pursue that opportunity because you get free college, and you have a set career in the military. It’s a really good opportunity that a lot of students don’t look at.”

In addition to the grueling application process and sleepless nights, Avery had to manage his time among various school and extracurricular activities, including serving as ASB President, playing on the soccer, football and tennis teams, contributing to the yearbook, participating in the church youth group, and serving as Sergeant-at-Arms in the local United Filipino Organization. That role, in particular, held special meaning for Avery. 

“That experience helped shape my leadership skills in a different way: by teaching cultural dances and leading with pride in my heritage instead of my usual field of captaining boys in sports,” Avery said.

Although humble, Avery admits that his leadership may have had a positive impact on his large family and the tight-knit Filipino community. He said his community is vital to him, and he’s proud to have made a difference in the lives of the next generation coming up behind him. 

“It’s an honor for someone to look up to you,” Avery emphasized. “It most definitely pushes and motivates me even more to go harder, to be successful. I’m doing it for those people.” 

At West Point, Avery hopes to pursue a degree in law and legal studies and then attend Army Ranger School after graduation. Once he completes his five years of military service, he is looking forward to eventually serving in the FBI as a criminal profiler or becoming a criminal prosecutor. While his military ambitions are strong, Avery’s heart will always remain in his community.

“That’s another big thing I’m going to miss when I go over there,” he said. “Being of Filipino heritage, we’re really family-oriented. I had about 50 people at my graduation, and they were all cheering for me. I felt that sense of peace in my heart that I’ll forever take with me over there.”

As he prepares to leave for New York — his first time living away from home — Avery admits he’s nervous but also excited and ready for the challenges that await him.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a different part of the world and meeting new people,” he said. “I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m ready.”

His mother said it will be tough to say goodbye to her baby, but she knows he has what it takes to succeed. 

“He’s going to be in good hands, and he’s going to meet new people, people of a similar caliber as him,” Aloha said. “He’s going to come out of there as a man, and we’re very proud of him.”

Avery leaves behind his hometown on his new journey with this advice for students in the Central Valley: be proud of where you’re from, bet on yourself, and don’t listen to the people who doubt you. 

“You have to have that self-confidence to chase your dreams,” he said.  “Don’t listen to the people that say you can’t, and don’t limit yourself to what’s in front of you.”