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IN person w/ Chris Zagone

Reid Armstrong
Sky-Hi Daily News
Kremmling CO Colorado
Courtesy Photo
ALL |

West Grand High School senior Chris Zagone wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do with his life. He thought he’d maybe go to the Colorado School of Mines, but didn’t know what exactly he wanted to study there.

Then his high school guidance counselor suggested he take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam, which would give him some guidance about areas of study in which he might excel. Much to everyone’s surprise, Chris got a perfect score on the test.

A recruiter from Grand Junction came to Chris’ house, met his family and offered Chris a deal he couldn’t refuse with the Navy Nuclear Engineering Program.



Chris has signed on for six years with the Navy. The first two years will be spent in nuclear engineering school where he will be given training worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. After that, he will be serving on an aircraft carrier or submarine running the nuclear program on board.

He’ll have to earn top secret security clearance to be in the program and he will start with an E3 paygrade. When he’s done with his training, he can finish his bachelor’s degree or qualify for officer candidate school. Chris will ship off for basic training in November.



What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having a loving family, good friends and being content with who I am.

What is your greatest fear?

Failing.

Which living person do you most admire?

My grandfather Fred Garrett. He never gives up.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be fluent in five different languages.

Who is your greatest hero of fiction?

Superman.

What is your current state of mind?

Content. I’m having fun with my senior year, enjoying my friends and looking forward to my future.

Who have been your most influential teachers?

Tara Hummel (English) and Melanie Schmidt (geography and civics).

What’s your favorite sport?

Track.

What traits do you most value in your friends?

Trustworthiness and commitment.

What are the plans until basic training starts?

Finish school. Enjoy summer. Maybe get a job … but probably not.

What’s your motto?

“The essential keys to happiness are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.” It’s something I saw on the wall in our coffee shop.

If you know a member of the Grand County community who would be good to profile, please email suggestions to rarmstrong@skyhidailynews.com.


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