May 11, 2026
By Farah Afifi
Editor
This article is part of a two-part in-depth reporting series about the military.
Class of 2022 alumna Casey Cirne will make history on May 23 as LHS’ first graduate to earn a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Cirne said her path to the United States Military Academy, known as West Point, began as a high school freshman when she received a flyer in the mail encouraging students to apply.
“I had no idea at the time what I wanted to do with my future, but from that point forward, I was hooked,” Cirne said. “I consumed as much West Point media as I could find online. I knew getting in would not be easy, so I needed to fully commit myself towards this goal.”
Cirne said that throughout her time at LHS, she strove to be a well-rounded student and leader.
By her senior year, she was serving as Student Government Association president, earning four varsity letters and bringing her spirit to the football field as the Golden Bear mascot. Additionally, she was a member of the band, The Lighthouse, Future Business Leaders of America Club and National Honor Society. She also participated in the high school’s semiannual poetry slams.
“My time at LHS provided me with countless opportunities to involve myself in things such as clubs and sports…. Having such diverse experiences prepared me for all the opportunities I would be presented with at West Point,” Cirne said.
She said adapting to life at West Point was difficult, especially because first-year students, known as plebes, face the strictest rules and restrictions.
“She wanted to do something bigger than herself and make a real impact.”
“You are not allowed to talk outside, [you] have to walk with your hands in fists at your sides at all times [and you] are only allowed to leave on two weekends per semester,” Cirne said. “This was a complete 180 from the college experience all of my friends were having.”
Cirne said another challenge she encountered was being female at a school that is about 80% male.
“Entering a male-dominated field as a cadet and knowing it will be the same in the big Army makes you really need to want to be here in order to succeed,” Cirne said. “You will often be overlooked by your peers, so it is up to you to make your presence known while also not going overboard and creating a bad name for yourself. It’s really a fine line.”
Although she had to overcome many obstacles, Cirne, who is majoring in engineering psychology, said she is happy she decided to attend West Point.
“Even though it [can be] a grind, it is so unbelievably worth it…. As cheesy as it sounds, you need to just keep pushing,” Cirne said.
Class of 2022 graduate Maria Hantzaras, who has been friends with Cirne since elementary school, said her ability to thrive at West Point came as no surprise.
“Casey has always had a strong sense of purpose and service. She wanted to do something bigger than herself and make a real impact,” Hantzaras said. “She is the type of person who sets a goal and refuses to give up until she reaches it.”
Hantzaras said she admires Cirne for stepping out of her comfort zone.
“Her determination and motivation spread to the people around her. Seeing her commitment to her goals motivates others to push themselves as well,” Hantzaras said.
Cirne’s mother, Mrs. Maria Cirne, a secretary at the Lyndhurst Board of Education, said she is proud of her daughter for her many accomplishments.
“She had to give up a lot of social time, especially seeing her friends from high school on different paths,” Mrs. Cirne said. “She was able to stick with it and complete her four years, no matter how hard it has been.”
Mrs. Cirne said the strong education her daughter received in Lyndhurst Public Schools set her up for success.
“Being from town all my life, I’m very proud to know that the Lyndhurst community has supported her throughout her journey, ” Mrs. Cirne said.
After graduating as a cadet, Casey will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and will spend four months at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, training in the Military Police before moving to Germany, where she will be posted for approximately two years.
“I’m going to miss her terribly… but I’m excited for her to go into the Military Police and see her grow and follow her next steps,” said Mrs. Cirne.
