Student Military Spotlight: James Diorio and Luke Cherry, Class of 2023

Wake Christian Academy is proud to feature our military career-minded seniors, James Diorio and Luke Cherry. James Diorio has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Luke Cherry will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy. Both will be in the Class of 2027. WCA is excited to congratulate both students on their acceptance to their respective Academies and will pray for the safety of both their bodies and their minds. Our hope is that each young man will be a bright light for Jesus while considering it an honor and a privilege to protect our country. Thank you, James and Luke, for your willingness and sacrifice to serve in the United States military.

James Diorio has been a WCA Bulldog since Kindergarten. He attends Shepherd’s Church in Cary and enjoys being involved in their youth group. He also does volunteer work at, “With Love from Jesus” and just recently returned from Wake Christian’s Spring Break missions trip to Guatemala. James is a member of the Beta Club, Student Council, and was voted senior class president by the student body. His peers have voted him class president three years in a row. He says, “It is an honor to have been voted a three time class president from a class loaded with talented individuals!” James is also a four year member of WCA’s Soccer and Track teams. He was the Captain of the Conference title winning soccer team in 2022 and was Captain of the track team both his junior and senior year. He is the current school record holder in track for the 4x200m relay. His freshman and sophomore year he was on the WCA swim team and was Captain and Team MVP his sophomore year. James is well rounded and also enjoys fine arts. He participated in the senior class play and is a part of WCA’s Jazz band as well. He practices bass and rhythm guitar in his spare time.

His future career goals are to attend the United States Naval Academy, train and work as a nuclear sub engineer, and then enter the private sector in business. He would also like to travel the world and then put roots down in a community where he can serve others. After settling down he wants to find a solid home church and become a Deacon. James shares, “I have attended Wake since Kindergarten. Throughout my time here, I have enjoyed the memories I have made and have enjoyed forming relationships with my classmates and teachers. One thing that has stood out to me the most during my time at Wake Christian, is the investment and interest that certain teachers and coaches have had in my life. I would not be where I am today had it not been for the investment that teachers have made in both my academic and spiritual life.” A verse that has special meaning to James is 2 Corinthians 12:10. “Therefore I am well content with weakness, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Luke Cherry has been a WCA Bulldog since sixth grade. He attends Mid-way Baptist Church in Raleigh and enjoys being involved in the youth program. He has been a member of the Beta Club for two years and is on the Student Council holding the title of Executive Secretary. He was elected Class Secretary his first three years of high school as well. He takes his academics seriously and is proud to have maintained a 4.5 GPA while playing multiple sports and serving his community. Luke is a four year member of the high school track team and on the 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams. Luke is a combined JV and Varsity seven year member of WCA’s soccer team. He says, “Soccer was always my first sport, but my passion for running track has led me to signing on to the track team at the US Coast Guard Academy.” Luke’s future career goals are to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy, run track there, and study Civil Engineering. He wants to be a fixed wing pilot for the Coast Guard responding to emergency situations out at sea or helping with natural disaster relief. After his five year post graduate commitment to the Coast Guard, he hopes to use his Civil Engineering degree to help start a business in building homes. He would like to use his knowledge and future jobs as a way to help others. He also says he looks forward to having a family of his own one day to grow and honor the Lord’s name.

Luke shares, “Wake Christian Academy is a school I am glad that I attended. Being at a smaller school, I have been able to connect with everyone in my class. This has allowed me to build friendships that will last long after graduation. I’m fortunate enough to have teachers who actually care about me and want me to succeed. More importantly, whether it be athletics or academics, I’m surrounded by people who point me to Jesus. This has strengthened my faith for any obstacle in life.” A verse that has special meaning to Luke is Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Congratulations, James and Luke! We know that you both will do great things for Christ as you go forward in your future endeavors. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!