Mail Call: Boys Stater accepted to Air Force Academy

I’m pleased to share some good news regarding our son, Riley Scherping, a 2025 Minnesota Boys State attendee.

Riley is currently a senior at Little Falls Community High School. He has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Crow Wing Composite Squadron for approximately 5 1/2 years, attaining the rank of cadet 2nd lieutenant. He’s held various positions at his squadron to include cadet squadron commander.

In the spring of 2025 Riley spoke with Mr. Bill Osberg of Little Falls American Legion Post 46 to discuss sponsorship to attend Minnesota American Legion Boys State. Post 46 agreed to sponsor Riley, and he attended the 76th session of Minnesota Boys State in June of 2025.

Riley thoroughly enjoyed his time at Boys State, learning about local government processes and procedures, meeting new people and holding the position of mayor of St. Cloud. After attending Boys State, Riley’s summer was more work than pleasure. He took ACT and SAT college entrance exams, applied to three service academies (Air Force, Navy, Army), applied to Rep. Michelle Fischbach, Sen. Tina Smith and Sen. Amy Klobuchar requesting nominations to the service academies and applied for a Vice Presidential Academy Nomination.

Additionally, Riley applied to Texas A&M University, Purdue University and Auburn University. While completing these applications, extensive essay writing and acquiring letters of recommendation, Riley completed physical fitness exams for each service academy.

We are excited to share with The American Legion that our son, Riley Scherping, was nominated to, and received an appointment to all three service academies.

Additionally, Riley received a four-year Navy ROTC scholarship and was accepted to the engineering programs at Texas A&M, Purdue and Auburn. Riley has chosen to accept his appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, planning to pursue an aeronautical engineering degree and become a pilot. He will begin his career on June 24, when he begins six weeks of Basic Cadet Training in Colorado Springs.

There are many factors that came into play to allow Riley to pursue his dream of attending the Air Force Academy. We strongly believe that his attendance at Minnesota Boys State played a large role in the process. Thank you for allowing Riley to participate and for supporting all the young men and women who attend Boys and Girls State each and every year.

Glen Welters

Navy veteran

Royalton Post 137

and Theresa Welters