Submitted by the Untied States Military Academy (West Point)
Luis Weierbach-Chainey of Hoosick Falls is the 2018 recipient of the Henry Ossian Flipper award, given each year by the USMA to the graduating cadet who demonstrates the highest qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance in the face of unusual difficulties.
The award cities Cadet Weierbach-Chainey’s battles with homelessness among other hardships throughout his life to get to where he is today. The cadet is a 2014 graduate of Hoosick Falls Central Schools and their first ever state wrestling champ.
The award is named after cadet Flipper, who in 1877 became the first African American to graduate from West Point. Despite being ostracized from the entire Corps of Cadets, Flipper persevered and since 1977, the academy has honored him with the annual Flipper Dinner and Award.